Laser trabeculoplasty: how little is enough?
OBJECTIVE
The optimal number of laser applications for argon laser trabeculoplasty in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma has not been established. The purpose of this study was to determine the fewest number of burns necessary for clinically effective intraocular pressure reduction for these patients.


METHODS
Using a prospective, randomized, collaborative study, the authors examined the relationship between the number of laser trabeculoplasty burns and intraocular pressure for patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. A total of 122 patients received either 50 burns to half of the trabecular meshwork (group 1) or 35 burns to one third of the trabecular meshwork (group 2).


RESULTS
The mean baseline intraocular pressures were similar between group 1 (22.3 +/- 4.1 mm Hg [mean +/- SD]) and group 2 (22.8 +/- 5.0 mm Hg) (P = .58). Intraocular pressure reduction at 9 to 12 months, although significant in both groups (group 1: 4.4 +/- 3.0 mm Hg, P < .0001; group 2: 3.9 +/- 5.1 mm Hg, P < .0001), did not differ significantly between the two groups (P = .63).


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrated that 35 burns may be as clinically effective as 50 burns in reducing the intraocular pressure in primary open-angle glaucoma patients.
Frenkel
R E
RE
Eye Research Foundation, East Florida Eye Institute, Stuart 34994, USA.
Shin
D H
DH
Epstein
D L
DL
Hertzmark
E
E
Bohn
J L
JL
Hong
Y J
YJ
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005902:Glaucoma, Open-Angle / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D014130:Trabeculectomy / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome