Long-term Intraocular Pressure Outcome after Successful Laser Iridotomy for the Acute Primary Angle-closure Glaucoma

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term outcome of intraocular pressure (IOP) after successful laser peripheral iridotomy in the eyes with acute primary angle-closure glaucoma. METHODS: Retrospective study of 45 eyes of 40 consecutive patients with acute primary angle-closure glaucoma was performed. After successful laser peripheral iridotomy, the subsequent long-term (at least 6 months) IOP outcome was analyzed. Re-elevation of IOP on follow-up was defined as IOP greater than 21 mmHg requiring medications or surgery. RESULTS: Thirty-two eyes (71.1%) of 45 eyes were successfully treated without additional treatment in the long-term follow-up. However, re-elevation of IOP developed in 13 eyes (28.9%) on follow-up, of which 5 eyes (11.1%) eventually underwent trabeculectomy. Sex and age of the patient, duration of acute symptoms and level of IOP were not the risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Although the laser peripheral iridotomy has been known to be effective in initial treatment of acute primary angle-closure glaucoma, close monitoring of IOP is recommended in the long-term follow-up.