The Glaucoma Laser Trial. I. Acute effects of argon laser trabeculoplasty on intraocular pressure. Glaucoma Laser Trial Research Group
The Glaucoma Laser Trial Research Group has examined the acute effects of
argon laser trabeculoplasty on immediate change in intraocular pressure and
the formation of peripheral anterior synechiae among the 271 eyes assigned
to argon laser trabeculoplasty as initial treatment for primary open angle
glaucoma. Argon laser trabeculoplasty was administered in two sessions.
Intraocular pressure rises of greater than 5 mm Hg occurred in 34% of eyes
after one or both of the treatment sessions; intraocular pressure rises of
greater than 10 mm Hg occurred in 12%. Eyes that had an intraocular
pressure rise after the first session were more likely to have a rise after
the second session than eyes with no rise after the first session. Among
the many patient, eye, and treatment characteristics examined, only
pigmentation of the trabecular meshwork was strongly associated with
intraocular pressure rises. Forty-six percent of eyes developed greater
than or equal to 1 degree of peripheral anterior synechiae. Brown iris
color and posterior placement of laser burns were associated with higher
rates of peripheral anterior synechiae formation.
