ABSTRACT
Our aim was to evaluate the long-term results of micropulse laser trabeculoplasty (MLT) with 577-nm yellow wavelength in the treatment of glaucoma. We reviewed the medical records of 51 patients (51 eyes) with uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma or pseudoexfoliation glaucoma who underwent 180° MLT for the first time. The success of MLT was defined as an IOP reduction of ≥ 20% and IOP < 21 mmHg after treatment. If the number of medications was increased or further laser trabeculoplasty or glaucoma surgery was required after treatment, the case was considered unsuccessful. The mean duration of patient follow-up was 18.39 ± 12.17 months (range 3-52 months). Patients included in the study used 2-4 types of antiglaucoma eye drops (mean 3.43 ± 0.7). The mean number of MLT spots was 65.54 ± 6.19, and the mean energy level was 750.98 ± 101.73 mJ. The decrease in intraocular pressure compared to baseline measurements was: 16.72 ± 11.87%, 15.07 ± 13.76%, 12.63 ± 14.29%, 16.66 ± 19.32%, and 16.75 ± 19.78% during follow-up at 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36-48 months. Successful response was achieved in 35.41%, 36.95%, 34.21%, 40%, 41.17%, and 42.85% of patients during 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36-48 months of follow-ups, respectively. Of the 51 eyes studied, 12 patients (23.5%) underwent post-MLT glaucoma surgery, and 7 patients (13.7%) had cataract surgery, whose follow-up data were subsequently censored. The reduction of intraocular pressure showed a significant correlation with baseline intraocular pressure, while age and laser power showed no correlation (p > 0.05). MLT is a novel treatment option for patients with glaucoma with favorable long-term outcomes and a good safety profile.
