Laser trabeculoplasty in glaucoma. Ten-year evaluation.

Argon laser trabeculoplasty was evaluated in 134 eyes of 94 patients with glaucoma, over a follow-up period of three to ten years. Success was defined by the patient having intraocular pressures (IOPs) below 20 mm Hg under the prelaser medical regimen, or taking less medication, and having no evidence of progressive field loss. The overall success rate by three years was 70%; it decreased to 55% after six years and remained at this level thereafter. Altogether, there were 26 eyes that had controlled glaucoma for six to ten years. The favorable factors for success were age over 60 years (82%), pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (75%), and lower baseline IOPs (69.3%). Argon laser trabeculoplasty was found to be a useful means of treatment in low tension glaucoma.