Ophthalmology

Biography

Biography: Leyla Ali Aljasim

Abstract

Statement of Problem: SLT plays a major role in treating glaucoma patients, with increasing use as first line of management, for eyes with uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP) with maximal tolerated medical treatment when surgery is avoided, or as replacement to medical glaucoma. SLT effectiveness in reducing IOP is well known, though, its long-lasting effect is controversial.
Methods: Reporting our SLT long term results, retrospective review of patients underwent SLT 2011-2012 carried out in January 2017. SLT was considered successful when resulted in clinically significant IOP reduction (mostly IOP reduction ≥3 mmHg or ≥15%) or reduction of glaucoma medication ≥1, with stable condition without the need for further medical or surgical intervention. When further intervention carried out SLT was considered failure. Repeating SLT once more during follow up period was not considered as failure. Patients included are adult, with open angle glaucoma or angle closure glaucoma with patent peripheral iridotomies and open angle ≥180.
Results: 191 eyes underwent 360°-180° SLT (80% had 360°), with 79 mean number of shots and 0.5 mj/shot (mean). Baseline IOP was 19.5±5.9 mmHg on 2.5±1.2 glaucoma medications. Success rate was 75.4%, with reduction of IOP of 4.2±6 mmHg and 1.08±1.1 reduction of medications. Success rate had significant correlation with baseline IOP, number of medication and extension of treatment. During follow up period of 49±14 months, 13% (n=19) had SLT repeated one more time, at mean of 31.4 months (4-46) and 11% (n=16) needed intervention for uncontrolled glaucoma (medical or surgical) at 35 (25-54) months.
Conclusions: SLT has a good and sustained IOP reduction in Saudi population. Low rate of failure noted following initial success and occurred after 2 years of follow up repeating SLT was successful, independent of time interval.