Efficiancy of selective laser trabeculoplasty in pseudophakia

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect ofpseudophakia on the success of selective laser trabeculoplasty.Material and Methods: Thirty eyes of 22 open angled glaucomapatients are included in this study. They all had uncontrolled intraocularpressure (IOP) with maximum tolareted medical therapy. All eyes had theircataract surgery with phacoemulsification technique at different hospitals anddifferent times. They underwent 360 degrees selective laser trabeculoplasty attwo sessions with one week interval from December 2008 to March 2009.Follow-up examinations were made at one hour, one week, one month andthree months after SLT.Results: One eye of 14 patients, both eyes of 8 patients were treatedwith selective laser trabeculoplasty. Patients age range was 46-81 years andmean age was 69.09±10.44 years. 6 (20%) eyes had pseudoexfoliationglaucoma, 24 (80%) eyes had primary open angle glaucoma. Preoperative IOPwas 20.47±3.94 mmHg. At first week after SLT, avarage IOP reduction was3.60±3.55 mmHg and IOP decreased to 16.87±3.45 mmHg. At one month IOPreduction was 4.13±3.67 mmHg and IOP decreased to 16.33±3.27 mmHg. Atthree months IOP reduction was 5.30±3.58 mmHg and IOP decreased to15.17± 2.39 mmHg. When at least 3 mmHg decrease was taken as successcriteria, success rates were 63% at one week, 63% at one month and 80% atthree months. Otherwise when at least 20% decrease was taken as successcriteria, success rates were 53.3% at one week, 53.3% at one month and 60%at three months.Conclusion: IOP was measured after laser trabeculoplasty at oneweek, one month and three months. All follow-up measurements showedstatistically significant difference from preoperative IOP. Decrease in IOPreached highest level at three months. Minimal and transient complicationsoccured during or after therapy. In conclusion we found selective lasertrabeculoplasty effective and safe in lowering IOP in pseudophakic patients.