Primary argon laser trabeculoplasty after pretreatment with timolol. A safe and economic therapy of early glaucoma.
In the treatment of glaucoma there are advantages and disadvantages associated with both medical, surgical and laser therapy. Early pressure rise has been found to be the main complication after laser treatment. In the present study primary argon laser trabeculoplasty (PALT) was carried out in 180 degrees of the trabecular meshwork with an effect of 0.4-0.6 W, after instillation of one drop of timolol 0.5%. Among our 27 newly diagnosed glaucoma patients no pressure rise or iritic reaction was detected. More than 50% of the patients were still managed with an intraocular pressure below 21 mmHg without medical or surgical treatment after 2 years. In addition to being virtually without side-effects this treatment modality is time saving and cost effective, and a great part of the patients may avoid medical therapy.
Odberg
T
T
Department of Ophthalmology, Hammar sjukhus, Norway.
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005902:Glaucoma, Open-Angle / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D009798:Ocular Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery*; D011292:Premedication; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013999:Timolol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014130:Trabeculectomy / Q000009:adverse effects
D013999:Timolol