The influence of selective laser trabeculoplasty on the success of trabeculectomy

PURPOSE: The purpose of this to investigate whether selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) has any effect on the success of trabeculectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirteen-one eyes of 29 primary open-angle glaucoma patients who underwent SLT before trabeculectomy and 29 eyes of 27 patients with the same inclusion criteria which underwent trabeculectomy without prior SLT in the Sifa University and in the Batigöz Eye Hospital in January 2012 and November 2012 were reviewed. All patients underwent trabeculectomy for uncontrolled open-angle glaucoma with the same technique. The results were evaluated 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months later after surgery. The statistical analysis was performed with the Mann–Whitney U-test. Fisher's Exact Chi-square test was used to compare the continuous and categorical variables. RESULTS: The mean intraocular pressure (IOP) before surgery was 24.1 ± 1.9 in the SLT-performed group and 26.7 ± 1.6 in the non-SLT-performed group. Twenty-four months later, the mean IOP was 15.1 ± 1.2 in the SLT-performed group and 15.4 ± 1.4 in the non-SLT performed group. There was no difference in the IOP drop after trabeculectomy between the two groups (P = 0.531). CONCLUSIONS: SLT has no influence on trabeculectomy success.