Comparison of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) in primary open angle glaucoma and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma

Marcelo Ayala, Enping Chen
Glaucoma Department, St Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden

Background and objective: The aim of the present study was to compare intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction and inflammation after selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) treatment in patients suffering from primary open angle (POAG) vs pseudoexfoliative (PXFG) glaucoma.
Study design/patients and methods: Sixty patients (60 eyes) participated in the study. Glaucoma patients (POAG or PXFG) scheduled for treatment with SLT were included. Inflammation was measured with a laser flare meter (Kowa FM-500). Measurements were made before SLT and 2 hours, 1 week, and 1 month after SLT treatment. IOP was also checked at the same time intervals.
Results: Inflammation after SLT showed no significant difference between the groups (t-test, before: P = 0.16; 2 hours: P = 0.14; 1 week: P = 0.12; and 1 month: P = 0.36). IOP reduction was the same in both groups (t-test, P = 0.27).
Conclusion: SLT safely reduces IOP in both POAG and PXFG. Pseudoexfoliation does not seem to be a risk factor for post-laser complications.

Keywords: glaucoma, pseudoexfoliation, laser, inflammation, intraocular pressure