Effect of Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty in Open Angle Glaucoma: Our Experience

Argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) was performed in 232 eyes of 180 patients affected by uncontrolled primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), exfoliation syndrome glaucoma (ESG) or pigment dispersion syndrome glaucoma (PDSG). Mean follow-up was 9 months (3, 22). Mean IOP change was — 21.6% (± 19) from the initial value. The effect on IOP was larger in patients with ESG, PDSG, and in POAG cases with more pigmented trabecular meshwork. No relationship was found between IOP changes and age of patients. An Octopus,computerized perimeter was used for pre- and post-treatment visual field tests. In 113 eyes Octopus exams met the requirements for quantitative analysis. In this group 17% of visual fields improved, 55% remained stable and 28% worsened. A good functional response was more frequent among the eyes with less advanced disease.