Original Paper

Efficacy and Safety of ab interno Excimer Laser Trabeculotomy in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: Two Years of Follow-Up
Silvia Babighian, Emilio Rapizzi, Alessandro Galan

Department of Ophthalmology, Ospedale S. Antonio, Padova, Italy

Address of Corresponding Author

Ophthalmologica 2006;220:285-290 (DOI: 10.1159/000094616)

  Key Words

• Excimer laser
• Glaucoma
• Trabecular meshwork
• Trabeculotomy

  Abstract

Ab interno trabeculotomy was performed using the recently developed XeCl excimer laser in 21 eyes of 21 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma refractory to medical therapy. The patients were followed at the Eye Department of S. Antonio Hospital in Padova, for an average of 25.3 ± 1.3 months. Intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity and ocular complications were evaluated. The laser procedure was quick and relatively easy, with minimal manipulation of tissues; complications were clinically insignificant. At the last follow-up, a marked IOP-lowering effect compared to baseline was observed (from 24.8 ± 2.0 to 16.9 ± 2.1 mm Hg; -31.8%, p < 0.0001). Nineteen patients (90.5%) had an IOP lowering of 20% or more; however, 8 of these eyes (38.1%) required additional IOP-lowering medical therapy. The procedure failed in 2 cases (9.5%) despite additional therapy. In conclusion ab interno excimer laser trabeculotomy seems effective to decrease IOP, serves to reduce the number of antiglaucoma medications and is relatively safe, proving to be a promising therapeutic option in glaucoma surgery.

Copyright © 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Alessandro Galan, MD
Dipartimento di Oculistica, Ospedale S. Antonio
Via Facciolati 71
IT-35100 Padova (Italy)
Tel. +39 049 821 6729, Fax +39 049 821 6448, E-Mail ale_galan@tin.it

  Article Information

Received: August 18, 2005
Accepted after revision: November 11, 2005
Number of Print Pages : 6
Number of Figures : 3, Number of Tables : 2, Number of References : 18