Original Paper

Pneumatic Trabeculoplasty versus Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
M.G. Uva, A. Longo, M. Reibaldi

Institute of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy

Address of Corresponding Author

Ophthalmologica 2010;224:10-15 (DOI: 10.1159/000243765)

  Key Words

• Pneumatic trabeculoplasty
• Argon laser trabeculoplasty
• Primary open-angle glaucoma
• Glaucoma therapy

  Abstract

Aims: To compare the efficacy of pneumatic trabeculoplasty (PNT) and argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) uncontrolled with two topical therapies. Methods: In a randomized, prospective clinical study, 32 patients received in 1 eye PNT or ALT. Results: At 1 month, in PNT- and in ALT-treated eyes respectively, mean intraocular pressure (IOP) decreased by 3 ± 2.3 and 5.7 ± 1.7 mm Hg (12.7 ± 9.6 and 24.4 ± 7.4%, both paired t test p < 0.001); 5 and 13 eyes (31 vs. 81%, ² test p = 0.013) had an IOP reduction 20%, 7 and 1 eyes had an insufficient effect (IOP >20 mm Hg). Only 1 PNT-treated eye had IOP reduction 20% until 4 months. At 6 months, 10 ALT-treated eyes (62.5%) had IOP reduction 20%; 15 PNT- and 3 ALT-treated eyes had an insufficient effect (94 vs. 19%, p < 0.001). Transient anterior segment side effects, but not visual field or fundus changes, occurred after both treatments. Conclusions: PNT is less effective than ALT in POAG uncontrolled with two topical therapies.

Copyright © 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Antonio Longo, MD
Eye Clinic, University of Catania
Via Santa Sofia 78
IT-95123 Catania (Italy)
Tel. +39 095 378 12, Fax +39 095 378 1288, E-Mail ant-longo@libero.it

  Article Information

Received: September 15, 2008
Accepted after revision: February 23, 2009
Published online: October 7, 2009
Number of Print Pages : 6
Number of Figures : 2, Number of Tables : 3, Number of References : 32