PRIMARY ARGON-LASER TRABECULOPLASTY VS PILOCARPINE .2. LONG-TERM EFFECTS ON INTRAOCULAR-PRESSURE AND FACILITY OF OUTFLOW - STUDY DESIGN ANDADDITIONAL THERAPY

In a prospective study 82 patients recently diagnosed with simple or c apsular glaucoma were randomized to receive primary argon laser trabec uloplasty or pilocarpine treatment. A 2-year follow-up showed a better success rate in the laser group, with less need for additional therap y. The average intraocular pressure and peak pressure was lower and th e daytime pressure variation was significantly less in the laser group . The better increase in facility of outflow in the laser group was no t statistically significant. In capsular glaucoma, laser treatment res ulted in a significantly lower average pressure than with medication. In simple glaucoma the effect was about the same in the two treatment groups. Increase in facility of outflow was significantly better in si mple glaucoma than in capsular glaucoma. High initial intraocular pres sure gave a significantly lower success rate. Primary argon laser trab eculoplasty as a single glaucoma treatment seems advantageous in compa rison to medication with pilocarpine for regulating intraocular pressu re.