Long-term effect of selective laser trabeculoplasty on intraocular pressure in pseudoexfoliation glaucoma.

BACKGROUND

Selective laser trabeculoplasty has been found to be effective as an adjunct to topical medical therapy in glaucoma. This analysis examines the intraocular pressure lowering effect of laser trabeculoplasty in eyes with pseudoexfoliation on maximum medical therapy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review was undertaken of 457 eyes of which 344 underwent a 360° selective laser trabeculoplasty treatment between 2008 and 2013. 94 of these eyes had pseudoexfoliation. Intraocular pressure values were analysed in 3 monthly intervals up to 60 months after selective laser trabeculoplasty. Exclusion criteria were narrow or closed angles as well as uveitic glaucoma and previous intraocular pressure lowering surgery.

RESULTS

Patients mean age was 71 years±11.0 SD, 42.7% were male. At time point 12 months after selective laser trabeculoplasty the intraocular pressure lowering effect was significantly greater in eyes with pseudoexfoliation than in eyes without pseudoexfoliation (p=0.01; Mann-Whitney test). Up to 21 months after selective laser trabeculoplasty a significant intraocular pressure reduction of 2.76 mmHg±3.72 SD compared to baseline values could be seen in eyes with pseudoexfoliation (p=0.01; Wilcoxon Test).

CONCLUSIONS

In this retrospective study a significant greater intraocular pressure lowering effect of selective laser trabeculoplasty could be seen in eyes with pseudoexfoliation compared to eyes without pseudoexfoliation only at time point 12 months after selective laser trabeculoplasty. Analyses revealed no significant intraocular pressure reduction compared to baseline values after 21 months in eyes with pseudoexfoliation and after 30 months in eyes without pseudoexfoliation.