Comparison of Short-term Outcomes of Argon Laser versus Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty in Open-Angle Glaucoma

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the pressure-lowering effects of selective trabeculoplasty versus these of Argon laser trabeculoplasty. METHODS: Fifteen eyes of 15 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension, all with IOPs over 30 mm Hg received SLT and 30 eyes of 30 patients with the same diagnosis were treated with ALT. Patients were evaluated after laser treatments at 1 hour, 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months using slit lamp examinations and Goldmann applanation tonometry. RESULTS: At 3 months postoperative, the SLT group had a mean IOP of 16.9+/-4.2 mmHg with a mean reduction of 31.2+/-20.1%, while the ALT group had a mean IOP of 17.9+/-5.4 mmHg with a mean reduction of 26.3+/-23.3%. CONCLUSIONS: Selective trabeculoplasty and Argon laser trabeculoplasty are equally effective statistically in lowering IOP over a 3-month period (p=0.47). SLT has been shown to be safe and effective in lowering IOP.