Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Effect of argon laser trabeculoplasty on the rate of filtering surgery

Journal Article · · Ophthalmology (Rochester, Minn.); (United States)

We examined the impact of argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) on the overall rate of filtering surgery on a resident service. From 1981 through 1984, 121 eyes underwent ALT for treatment of uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma despite maximum tolerated medical therapy. Mean intraocular pressure decreased from 27 +/- 4 mmHg to 20 +/- 5 mmHg (median follow-up, 9 months). From 1978 through 1981, the mean annual rate of filtering surgery was 16. Only one filtering procedure was performed in 1982, the first full year of ALT use. However, 15 filtering procedures were performed in 1983 and 18 were performed in 1984. Despite a large number of apparently effective ALT treatments and despite an overall reduction in outpatient visits of 20%, the rate of filtering surgery has returned to the pre-ALT level. This suggests that ALT may be effective in delaying the need for surgery, but in many cases it probably does not prevent surgery.

Research Organization:
Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD
OSTI ID:
5573170
Journal Information:
Ophthalmology (Rochester, Minn.); (United States), Journal Name: Ophthalmology (Rochester, Minn.); (United States) Vol. 3; ISSN OPHTD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English