Three year Follow up of Laser Trabeculoplasty using Q-switched frequency doubled Nd: YAG laser

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy and safety of selective laser trabeculoplasty treatment (SLT) using Q-switched frequency doubled Nd YAG laser at three year follow-up. METHODS: Fifteen eyes of 12 primary open angle glaucoma patients treated between July and August 1997 with Q switched frequency doubled Nd YAG laser were evaluated. With clinical examinations including slit-lamp examination, applanation tonometry and funduscopy, we evaluated preoperative and postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) of treated eyes, IOP response between treated and untreated eyes, and complications at 3 year follow-up retrospectively. RESULTS: IOP before treatment was 25.2 2.3 mmHg. At one year after treatment, IOP was 20.3 4.1 mmHg (19.6% reduction). At 2 and 3 years follow-up, IOP's were 21.1 3.5 mmHg (16.4%) and 19.7 4.9 mmHg (23.2%) respectively. In the comparison between treated eyes and untreated fellow eyes, the mean IOP reduction in the untreated eyes showed 12.1%, the treated eyes showed significant reductions in IOP at all follow-ups (P=0.0003). Complication included anterior uveitis in one eye at intermediate follow-up and transient increased IOP in seven eyes. CONCLUSIONS: SLT showed stable IOP compared with preoperative intraocular pressure during 3 years follow-up period without severe complication.