ARGON LASER TRABECULOPLASTY AND THE OPEN‐ANGLE GLAUCOMAS

Abstract

Argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) was used to treat 237 eyes of 156 presurgicalpatients with various open‐angle glaucomas. Patients with primary open‐angle glaucoma formed the largest group; intraocular pressure (IOP) control judged clinically to be adequate was achieved in 77.3% of eyes. Eyes with pseudoexfoliative glaucoma demonstrated the greatest IOP reduction achieving control in 90.7%. Eyes with combined‐mechanism glaucoma underwent argon laser iridectomy prior to ALT. One month after ALT the IOP was considered adequate in 70% of eyes. ALT may benefit eyes with low‐tension glaucoma, pigmentary glaucoma and aphakic open‐angle glaucoma. Treatment failures were frequent in eyes with angle recession and uveitis. Complications included IOP elevation (7.8%) and mild iritis; technique modifications minimized their frequency and intensity. ALT demonstrated an excellent benefit‐to‐risk ratio. Its effect additive to medications, ALT often permitted a reduction in the medical regimen, but rarely cessation of drug therapy. ALT is recommended as an alternative to drainage surgery. Copyright © 1985, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved