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To compare argon laser peripheral iridoplasty (ALPI) against systemic medications in treatment of acute primary angle-closure: mid-term results.

Lai JS, Tham CC, Chua JK, Poon AS, Chan JC, Lam SW, Lam DS

United Christian Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China. laism@ha.org.hk

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical outcome of argon laser peripheral iridoplasty (ALPI) against systemic medications in treatment of acute primary angle-closure (APAC). METHODS: Consecutive patients with APAC were recruited and randomized to receive one of two treatment options: immediate ALPI or systemic acetazolamide +/- mannitol. All eyes were followed up for at least 6 months after laser iridotomy. Main outcome measures were intraocular pressure (IOP) and requirement for glaucoma medications. RESULTS: A total of 41 eyes (39 patients) were randomized into the ALPI group, and 38 eyes (32 patients) into the medical treatment group. There were no significant differences between the two groups in sex, age, presenting IOP, and duration of attack. Mean follow-up duration +/- SD was 15.7 +/- 5.8 months. There were no significant differences between the two groups in mean final IOP and requirement for glaucoma medications. CONCLUSIONS: There were no statistically significant differences in mean IOP and requirement for glaucoma drugs between APAC eyes treated with ALPI and systemic medications.

Published 2 March 2006 in Eye, 20(3): 309-14.
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