AN ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFICACY OF SELECTIVE LASER TRABECULOPLASTY (SLT) IN OPEN-ANGLE GLAUCOMA PATIENTS: A CLINICAL STUDY.

Abstract

Introduction:

Objectives: The present study aims to assess the efficacy of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) in reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) when used as the first-line or supplementary therapy for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients.

 Methods: 

In this study conducted over one year, 1820 patients visited the Regional Institute of Ophthalmology (RIO), IGIMS, Patna, Bihar, India for SLT, averaging about 35 patients per week. The sample was bifurcated into two groups: Group A (944 patients, 1888 eyes) received SLT in addition to their existing anti-glaucomatous medications (AGM), while Group B (876 patients, 1752 eyes) comprised newly diagnosed POAG patients, for whom SLT served as the primary treatment.

 Results: 

In this study, the overall cohort displayed an average baseline intraocular pressure of 21.3 ± 4.8 mm of Hg, which decreased to 15.5 ± 2.6 mm Hg post-SLT. The pressure reduction was 33.5 % in Group A and 41.5 % in Group B. In some cases, when treatment with SLT alone could not give the desired intraocular pressure, both groups turned to initiating or increasing AGM. Notably, 51.3% belonging to the first group and 64.3% belonging to the second group achieved target intraocular pressure with SLT alone, and after SLT, 71.5% of first group patients and 65.3% of second group patients no longer required glaucoma medication at the last visit.

 Conclusion: 

SLT proves effective as both a primary and additional therapy for open-angle glaucoma, significantly reducing medicine usage. The IOP reduction remains consistent in both primary and adjunctive treatment groups during a year of follow-up.

 Recommendation: 

Based on the results, it is recommended to integrate SLT into glaucoma treatment protocols, exploring its potential to reduce medication reliance, and promoting extended research for a more comprehensive assessment of SLT's long-term benefits.