Abstract

Argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) has been used for lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma patients for over 25 years. More recently selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) was developed to lower IOP.
THE OBJECTIVE of this retrospective study was to compare ALT and SLT in terms of IOP lowering.
MATERIAL. All patients (n = 137) included in the study had open-angle glaucoma with uncontrolled IOP despite receiving maximal medical therapy.
RESULTS. The mean preoperative IOP in ALT-group (73 patients) was 24.4 mm Hg and in the SLT group (64 patients) 23.4 mm Hg. After laser treatment patients were followed up at one hour, one week, 1–2 months and 6 months. There was no significant difference in mean preoperative IOP between the two groups. Nor was there any difference at any other time points. Mean IOP at the end of follow up was 19.2 and 18.9 mm Hg in the ALT and SLT groups, respectively.
CONCLUSION. SLT is equivalent to ALT in terms of IOP lowering at 6 months, and it is a safe and effective procedure for openangle glaucoma patients.