Selective laser trabeculoplasty in primary open-angle glaucoma: Primary versus secondary treatment outcomes

Abstract

Objective: To compare the outcomes of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) on treatmentnaive, primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients with those of SLT on patients previously treated medically and/or surgically. Secondary objectives: To establish whether age, race or gender influenced SLT outcomes.Design: A retrospective chart review of patients who received SLT therapy for POAG between June 2011 and January 2015.Subjects: Group A: Treatment-naive patients (n = 15). Group B: Prior medical therapy and/or prior surgery (n = 69).Methods: Group A: Patients were treated with SLT therapy as first line, with medical treatment added as needed. Group B: Patients were treated with SLT therapy as additional therapy to medication and/or surgery. All patients were followed up for at least 1 year.Main outcome measures: A reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) of at least 20% from baseline was considered significant.Results: The following percentage reduction in IOP was found in the different groups: Group A 50.7%, Group B 32.0%, Africans 52.2%, Indians 29.8% and Caucasians 28.87%.Conclusion: In our study patients, SLT achieved significant reductions in IOPs in treatmentnaive as well as previously surgically and medically treated eyes with POAG. Statistically significant higher reductions in IOP at 1 year after SLT was seen in treatment-naive eyes, patients older than 70 years when compared with younger patients, female patients (54%) when compared with male patients (30%) and in patients of African (52%) descent compared with Caucasians (30%).

Selective laser trabeculoplasty versus 0·5% timolol eye drops in the management of glaucoma in Tanzania

“…Studies in sub-Saharan Africa have also reported the efficacy of SLT. 6,7 One study was conducted in South Africa, with Black South African (n=60), Indian (n=21), and White (n=3) participants. 6 This study did not compare SLT with medications; instead, it only reported the efficacy of SLT in treatment-naive patients and in those already receiving medications or surgery.…”

“…6,7 One study was conducted in South Africa, with Black South African (n=60), Indian (n=21), and White (n=3) participants. 6 This study did not compare SLT with medications; instead, it only reported the efficacy of SLT in treatment-naive patients and in those already receiving medications or surgery. A second study was performed in Senegal among Senegalese patients with primary openangle glaucoma, and reported the efficacy of SLT.…”