Abstract
Purpose To determine the long-term efficacy and safety of MicroPulse transscleral laser therapy
(TLT) over a 24-month period in patients with primary open angle glaucoma.
Methods This prospective interventional case series evaluated data from 44 medically treated
eyes of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients who received MicroPulse TLT to
achieve further reduction in IOP. The reduction in 24-hr mean diurnal intraocular
pressure (IOP), diurnal IOP fluctuations, and peak IOP were monitored after 3, 12,
and 24 months.
Postoperative complications, failure rates, and factors influencing IOP reduction
were also evaluated.
Results IOP decreased from 16.1 ± 3.4 mmHg preoperatively to 13.0 ± 2.9 mmHg (n = 31; p < 0.001),
12.3 ± 3.0 mmHg (n = 27; p < 0.001), and 13.1 ± 2.6 mmHg (n = 23;
p < 0.001) at the 3-month, 12-month and 24-month follow-ups. At 24 months, 23
eyes (52%) had a sufficient IOP reduction to reach the individual target pressure.
No severe complications
were observed. No parameters could be identified that correlated with successful
IOP reduction after treatment. The highest failure rate was observed during the first
3 months and remained
stable thereafter.
Conclusion For about 50% of POAG eyes receiving the maximum tolerated treatment, MicroPulse
TLT proved an effective method of further lowering IOP so as to reach the individual
target pressure.
Key words
MicroPulse transscleral laser therapy - open angle glaucoma - intraocular pressure
