Use of selective laser trabeculoplasty in primary closed angle glaucoma

OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficiency and safety of selective laser trabeculoplasty in patients who suffered primary close angle glaucoma and were operated from cataract and/or glaucoma, and to identify the frequency of the main adverse effects. METHODS: Prospective descriptive and observational research study of 35 patients (50 eyes) carrying primary close angle glaucoma, who were operated on from cataract and/or glaucoma at "Ramon Pando Ferrer" Cuban Institute of Ophthalmology from May to November 2007. The equipment called Tango LT 5106T from Laserex was used. RESULTS: Female patients, people over 60 years-old, Caucausians, hypermetropics, high frequency of non-communicable chronic diseases prevailed. After six months, the reduction of intraocular pressure amounted to 41,2%. In those patients with a history of previous filtering surgery, the use of this technique showed results very similar to those of the non-operated patients. The therapy proved to be effective in 88% of eyes and the medical hypotensive treatment was reduced. Some adverse events were blood pressure peaks, corneal epitheliopathy and pigment dispersion. CONCLUSIONS: Laser technique was effective to control blood pressure and/or reduction of ocular anti-hypertensive medical therapy in this type of patients.