Glaucoma Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Glaucoma, including details on cataracts, surgery, treatment, blindness.

Efficacy and safety of ab interno excimer laser trabeculotomy in primary open-angle glaucoma: two years of follow-up.

Babighian S, Rapizzi E, Galan A

Department of Ophthalmology, Ospedale S. Antonio, Padova, Italy.

Ab interno trabeculotomy was performed using the recently developed XeCl excimer laser in 21 eyes of 21 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma refractory to medical therapy. The patients were followed at the Eye Department of S. Antonio Hospital in Padova, for an average of 25.3 +/- 1.3 months. Intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity and ocular complications were evaluated. The laser procedure was quick and relatively easy, with minimal manipulation of tissues; complications were clinically insignificant. At the last follow-up, a marked IOP-lowering effect compared to baseline was observed (from 24.8 +/- 2.0 to 16.9 +/- 2.1 mm Hg; -31.8%, p < 0.0001). Nineteen patients (90.5%) had an IOP lowering of 20% or more; however, 8 of these eyes (38.1%) required additional IOP-lowering medical therapy. The procedure failed in 2 cases (9.5%) despite additional therapy. In conclusion ab interno excimer laser trabeculotomy seems effective to decrease IOP, serves to reduce the number of antiglaucoma medications and is relatively safe, proving to be a promising therapeutic option in glaucoma surgery.

Published 6 September 2006 in Ophthalmologica, 220(5): 285-90.
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