The Long-Term Effect of Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty in Ocular Hypertension: A 3-Year Follow-Up Review

Purpose: To evaluate the long-term efficacy of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) in patients with ocular hypertension (OHT) Methods: This study is a retrospective chart review of patients with OHT, first diagnosis POAG without medication and uncontrolled POAG with maximum tolerated medical therapy who underwent SLT between July 2010 and July 2011.The aforementioned data were gathered from the 3-month, 6-month, 12-month, 24-month, and 36-month post operative visits. Three groups were compared regarding decrease in IOP, percentage of IOP decrease, and success rate after SLT treatment. Results: The medical records of 46 eyes of 46 patients who underwent SLT treatment for OHT were reviewed. Mean age of the patients was 56.1±5.9. 21 were male and 25 were female. The overall success rate at the last visit at the 36th month was 42.9%. Conclusion: The therapeutic effect in patients with OHT is moderate. The effect of SLT begins to decrease after one year. However, the repeatability and protecting of the ocular surface from the toxicity of the preservants of anti-glaucoma drops are the main advantages of SLT. Thus, SLT may be considered as a first step therapy alternative in OHT under strict follow-up.