Pattern Laser Trabeculoplasty Intraocular Pressure Reduction Efficacy in Open-Angle Glaucoma Patients on Medical Therapy

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To assess the effectiveness and safety of Pattern Laser Trabeculoplasty (PLT) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and normal tension glaucoma (NTG). METHODS: Twenty-six eyes in patients with POAG and 14 eyes in patients with NTG were targeted in this study. The intraocular pressure (IOP) for each patient needed to be reduced within proper ranges. The clinical outcome was assessed by IOP at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 9 months after PLT. RESULTS: The mean (+/- standard deviation) IOP in the POAG group was 20.7 +/- 4.1 mm Hg before treatment. After PLT, the IOPs in POAG group were 16.4 +/- 3.1 mm Hg, 16.9 +/- 3.8 mm Hg, and 16.5 +/- 5.2 mm Hg at 1, 6 and 9 months, respectively, and the pressure remained stabled over 9 months of post-procedural follow-up. However, no statistical difference in IOP reduction was observed in the NTG group before and after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: PLT provides a possibility to decrease additional medical therapy in patients with POAG. In addition, PLT can be considered as an auxiliary therapy for POAG patients who tolerate maximal medical therapy prior to undergoing surgical treatment.