An Exploratory Retrospective Data Analysis Comparing the Outcomes of Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty and Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty in Patients with Open-Angle Glaucoma or Ocular Hypertension in Vienna, Austria, from the Year 2012 to 2022

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The aim of the present study was to compare the short-term outcomes of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) with argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) in patients with glaucoma in a real-world setting. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted as a retrospective case-control study. The main outcome was the change in intraocular pressure (IOP) three months after laser surgery. In addition, the number of substances used for lowering of IOP and adverse events (AEs) were assessed. Results: Charts from 25 patients were included in the present study, of which 12 had received ALT and 13 SLT. In both groups, IOP significantly decreased from baseline values 6 weeks and 3 months after laser treatment (p < 0.01 vs. baseline at each timepoint for both groups). While after 6 weeks, no difference between groups was found, after 3 months, the decrease in IOP was significantly more pronounced in the SLT group (-26 ± 21% in the ALT group vs. -41 ± 14% in the SLT group, p = 0.018 between groups, ANOVA). Three months after laser treatment, the number of IOP-lowering substances used by each patient had decreased with no difference between groups (ALT: from 2.7 ± 0.8 to 2.3 ± 0.9 substances; SLT: from 1.8 ± 1.2 to 1.3 ± 1.1 substances, p = 0.386). Only a few AEs were observed. Two patients in the ALT and one patient in the SLT group required trabeculectomy within 1 year after laser treatment due to IOP decompensation. Conclusions: In the present study, SLT was at least as effective as ALT with fewer AEs and a similar reduction in concomitant IOP-lowering medication.

Keywords: Vienna; argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT); glaucoma; retrospective; selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT).

Figure 1

IOP values of the two study groups at different time points. Pre-OP values were obtained within two weeks before laser treatment and while patients were under topical therapy. Values are provided as mean ± SD.