THE EFFECTS OF ARGON-LASER TRABECULOPLASTY ON TRABECULECTOMY

Argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) is a frequently used method in preop erative treatment of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) when maximal m edical therapy fails and it is considered an alternative method to tra beculectomy. Recently, preoperative ALT has been implicated as a risk factor for the failure of glaucoma filtration surgery. Long-term resul ts of trabeculectomy in 49 eyes of 40 patients with POAG were compared with the long-term results of preoperative ALT performed on 21 eyes o f 16 patients, respectively. No significant difference could be found in mean pressure reduction between two groups during 3 and 36 months f ollow up (P>0.05). Laser trabeculoplasty has not been implicated as a risk factor for the failure of trabeculectomy.