1
|
Dahlgren T, Ayala M, Zetterberg M. Optimal Performance of Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty: Results from the Swedish Optimal SLT Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial. Ophthalmol Glaucoma 2024; 7:105-115. [PMID: 37838088 DOI: 10.1016/j.ogla.2023.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a first-line treatment for glaucoma and ocular hypertension. However, due to insufficient comparative evidence in efficacy and safety, several SLT treatment protocols are currently used in practice. The objective of this trial was to compare the clinical outcomes of the 4 most significant SLT variants. DESIGN Prospective, multicenter, masked, randomized controlled trial (RCT). PARTICIPANTS Four hundred patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The cohort consisted of both treatment-naive patients and patients undergoing glaucoma treatment, at different stages of disease. METHODS Selective laser trabeculoplasty was performed with 50 ± 5 laser spots in 180 degrees or with 100 ± 10 spots in 360 degrees. The laser power was titrated to either just below the cavitation bubble level ("standard energy") or to a level producing cavitation bubbles at 50% to 75% of laser applications ("high energy"). Thus, 4 different treatment protocols were included - 180/standard, 180/high, 360/standard, and 360/high. The study adhered as close as possible to regular clinical management, but within a scientific framework. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) 1 to 6 months after SLT. The proportion of patients achieving a 20% IOP reduction without any further intervention. Time to glaucoma treatment escalation in a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. RESULTS SLT performed with the 360/high protocol was shown to be superior regarding all primary endpoints. The IOP reduction 1 to 6 months after SLT was 5.4 mmHg in the 360/high group, compared to 3.4, 3.2, and 4.2 mmHg with the 180/standard, 180/high, and 360/standard protocols, respectively (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the success rate after 6 months was significantly higher -58.3%, compared with 30.2%, 29.3%, and 41.7% (P < 0.001). The median time to glaucoma treatment escalation was more than twice as long with 360/high SLT -1323 days, compared to 437 days, 549 days, and 620 days (P < 0.001). Although postoperative discomfort was more frequent with the 360/high protocol, symptoms were generally mild and transient. Adverse events were rare in all groups. CONCLUSIONS The magnitude and longevity of SLT results increases substantially if SLT is performed according to the 360/high protocol, without compromising safety. Therefore, we recommend that 360/high SLT be considered as standard treatment. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES The authors have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Dahlgren
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Ophthalmology, NU Hospital Group, Region Västra Götaland, Uddevalla, Sweden.
| | - Marcelo Ayala
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Ophthalmology, Skaraborg Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Skövde, Sweden
| | - Madeleine Zetterberg
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Ophthalmology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Mölndal, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Narayanaswamy A, Sood SR, Thakur S. Selective laser trabeculoplasty: An updated narrative review. Indian J Ophthalmol 2024; 72:312-319. [PMID: 38421290 PMCID: PMC11001228 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_2104_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) has experienced a resurgence in interest, primarily driven by promising findings from the Laser in Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension Trial. By offering SLT as an initial drug-free treatment option, we may be able to thwart issues such as adherence and persistence that plague our current medical management protocols. In this comprehensive narrative review, we delve into the current body of literature that explores the utility of SLT across a wide spectrum of scenarios and glaucoma subtypes. We present evidence that provides valuable insight into the efficacy and benefits of SLT, positioning it as a viable option in the management of glaucoma. Careful consideration of the associated risks and challenges is also necessary for successful adoption into clinical practice. Despite the ample evidence supporting SLT's efficacy, some questions remain regarding its long-term effects and the potential need for retreatment. This review aims to shed light on these aspects to guide clinicians in making informed decisions and tailoring treatment plans to individual patient needs. This review also provides the readers with a bird's eye view of the potential impact of SLT and adds clarity to the various therapeutic protocols that one can follow to ensure optimal clinical outcomes for our patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Shana R Sood
- Glaucoma Research Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore
| | - Sahil Thakur
- Ocular Epidemiology Research Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Rolim-de-Moura CR, Paranhos A, Loutfi M, Burton D, Wormald R, Evans JR. Laser trabeculoplasty for open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2022; 8:CD003919. [PMID: 35943114 PMCID: PMC9361429 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd003919.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Open-angle glaucoma (OAG) is an important cause of blindness worldwide. Laser trabeculoplasty, a treatment modality, still does not have a clear position in the treatment sequence. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of laser trabeculoplasty for treating OAG and ocular hypertension (OHT) when compared to medication, glaucoma surgery or no intervention. We also wished to compare the effectiveness of different laser trabeculoplasty technologies for treating OAG and OHT. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Trials Register) (2021, Issue 10); Ovid MEDLINE; Ovid Embase; the ISRCTN registry; LILACS, ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO ICTRP. The date of the search was 28 October 2021. We also contacted researchers in the field. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing laser trabeculoplasty with no intervention, with medical treatment, or with surgery in people with OAG or OHT. We also included trials comparing different types of laser trabeculoplasty technologies. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard methods expected by Cochrane. Two authors screened search results and extracted data independently. We considered the following outcomes at 24 months: failure to control intraocular pressure (IOP), failure to stabilise visual field progression, failure to stabilise optic neuropathy progression, adverse effects, quality of life, and costs. We graded the 'certainty' of the evidence using GRADE. MAIN RESULTS We included 40 studies (5613 eyes of 4028 people) in this review. The majority of the studies were conducted in Europe and in the USA. Most of the studies were at risk of performance and/or detection bias as they were unmasked. None of the studies were judged as having low risk of bias for all domains. We did not identify any studies of laser trabeculoplasty alone versus no intervention. Laser trabeculoplasty versus medication Fourteen studies compared laser trabeculoplasty with medication in either people with primary OAG (7 studies) or primary or secondary OAG (7 studies); five of the 14 studies also included participants with OHT. Six studies used argon laser trabeculoplasty and eight studies used selective laser trabeculoplasty. There was considerable clinical and methodological diversity in these studies leading to statistical heterogeneity in results for the primary outcome "failure to control IOP" at 24 months. Risk ratios (RRs) ranged from 0.43 in favour of laser trabeculoplasty to 1.87 in favour of medication (5 studies, I2 = 89%). Studies of argon laser compared with medication were more likely to show a beneficial effect compared with studies of selective laser (test for interaction P = 0.0001) but the argon laser studies were older and the medication comparator group in those studies may have been less effective. We considered this to be low-certainty evidence because the trials were at risk of bias (they were not masked) and there was unexplained heterogeneity. There was evidence from two studies (624 eyes) that argon laser treatment was associated with less failure to stabilise visual field progression compared with medication (7% versus 11%, RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.42 to 1.16) at 24 months and one further large recent study of selective laser also reported a reduced risk of failure at 48 months (17% versus 26%) RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.81, 1178 eyes). We judged this outcome as moderate-certainty evidence, downgrading for risk of bias. There was only very low-certainty evidence on optic neuropathy progression. Adverse effects were more commonly seen in the laser trabeculoplasty group including peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS) associated with argon laser (32% versus 26%, RR 11.74, 95% CI 5.94 to 23.22; 624 eyes; 2 RCTs; low-certainty evidence); 5% of participants treated with laser in three studies of selective laser group had early IOP spikes (moderate-certainty evidence). One UK-based study provided moderate-certainty evidence that laser trabeculoplasty was more cost-effective. Laser trabeculoplasty versus trabeculectomy Three studies compared laser trabeculoplasty with trabeculectomy. All three studies enrolled participants with OAG (primary or secondary) and used argon laser. People receiving laser trabeculoplasty may have a higher risk of uncontrolled IOP at 24 months compared with people receiving trabeculectomy (16% versus 8%, RR 2.12, 95% CI 1.44 to 3.11; 901 eyes; 2 RCTs). We judged this to be low-certainty evidence because of risk of bias (trials were not masked) and there was inconsistency between the two trials (I2 = 68%). There was limited evidence on visual field progression suggesting a higher risk of failure with laser trabeculoplasty. There was no information on optic neuropathy progression, quality of life or costs. PAS formation and IOP spikes were not reported but in one study trabeculectomy was associated with an increased risk of cataract (RR 1.78, 95% CI 1.46 to 2.16) (very low-certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Laser trabeculoplasty may work better than topical medication in slowing down the progression of open-angle glaucoma (rate of visual field loss) and may be similar to modern eye drops in controlling eye pressure at a lower cost. It is not associated with serious unwanted effects, particularly for the newer types of trabeculoplasty, such as selective laser trabeculoplasty.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Augusto Paranhos
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mohamed Loutfi
- School of Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - David Burton
- Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Bradford, UK
| | - Richard Wormald
- Cochrane Eyes and Vision, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Jennifer R Evans
- Cochrane Eyes and Vision, ICEH, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Energy Dose-Response in Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty: A Review. J Glaucoma 2022; 31:e49-e68. [PMID: 35701875 PMCID: PMC9362340 DOI: 10.1097/ijg.0000000000002062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
PRCIS A literature review of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) energy dose-response found no definitive relationship between intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction with respect to total or pulse energy, race, pigmentation, or application pattern. PURPOSE SLT is a safe and effective treatment for lowering IOP. Although evidence is mounting for the advantage of its use as a first-line treatment for IOP reduction, the SLT procedures in use vary widely. The purpose of this literature review was to investigate whether there were any relationships between SLT energy and efficacy for lowering IOP in the published literature. METHODS A literature review was undertaken that included studies in which energy levels required for successful SLT treatment were investigated: in general, with respect to angle pigmentation, race or ethnicity, and treatment arc extent. RESULTS There was no indication that higher (or lower) energy used in the treatment leads to greater (or less) IOP reduction. Similar results were obtained regarding the level of trabecular meshwork pigmentation. Race was not found to be associated with altered dose response in SLT. There were indications that treating the full 360 degrees, as opposed to smaller arcs, could be beneficial for more IOP reduction. IOP reduction from SLT was found to be similar to that provided by topical medications. CONCLUSIONS The optimal energy level of SLT needed for IOP reduction has not yet been definitively established, with all reported pulse energies resulting in similar IOP reduction. Furthermore, similar lack of conclusive findings exists regarding optimal SLT energy dosage for use in different races and degrees of trabecular meshwork pigmentation. This parameter and each of the abovementioned factors requires further research.
Collapse
|
5
|
Sarenac T, Bečić Turkanović A, Ferme P, Gračner T. A Review of Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty: “The Hype Is Real”. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11133879. [PMID: 35807163 PMCID: PMC9267824 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11133879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Presently, there is no efficacious treatment for glaucomatous optic neuropathy; the current treatment is focused on lowering intraocular pressure (IOP). Studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) in reducing the IOP in eyes with open-angle (OAG) glaucoma or ocular hypertension (OH). Moreover, the European Glaucoma Society has instated SLT as the first-line or adjunctive treatment in OAG or OH, reiterating its clinical significance. In this review, we outline the old and the new roles of SLT, with an emphasis on clinical practice, and look further into its renewed appeal and future developments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomislav Sarenac
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Maribor, Ljubljanska 5, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (T.S.); (A.B.T.); (P.F.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Taborska Ulica 8, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Anela Bečić Turkanović
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Maribor, Ljubljanska 5, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (T.S.); (A.B.T.); (P.F.)
| | - Peter Ferme
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Maribor, Ljubljanska 5, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (T.S.); (A.B.T.); (P.F.)
| | - Tomaž Gračner
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Maribor, Ljubljanska 5, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (T.S.); (A.B.T.); (P.F.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Taborska Ulica 8, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zgryźniak A, Przeździecka-Dołyk J, Szaliński M, Turno-Kręcicka A. Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty in the Treatment of Ocular Hypertension and Open-Angle Glaucoma: Clinical Review. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10153307. [PMID: 34362091 PMCID: PMC8347751 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10153307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a glaucoma treatment that reduces intraocular pressure (IOP). Its mechanism is based on the biological effects of the selective application of laser energy to pigmented trabecular meshwork (TM) cells, resulting in increased outflow facility. Herein, we review current publications on SLT and summarize its efficacy and safety for different indications in open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT) treatment. SLT effectively reduces IOP when used as a primary treatment. In patients whose IOP is medically controlled, SLT helps to reduce medication use, and when maximally tolerated topical therapy is ineffective, SLT facilitates the realization of the target IOP. SLT is a repeatable procedure for which the vast majority of complications are mild and self-limiting. With effective IOP reduction, low complication rates and the potential to repeat the procedure, SLT offers the possibility of delaying the introduction of medical therapy and other more invasive treatment modalities while simultaneously avoiding the accompanying complications. With this knowledge, we suggest that SLT be considered as an essential primary treatment option in OAG and OHT, switching to other treatment modalities only when laser procedures are insufficient for achieving the required target IOP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Zgryźniak
- Clinic of Ophthalmology, University Teaching Hospital, ul. Borowska 213, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.Z.); (M.S.); (A.T.-K.)
| | - Joanna Przeździecka-Dołyk
- Department of Optics and Photonics, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, wyb. Stanislawa Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wroclaw Medical University, ul. Borowska 213, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
- Correspondence: or
| | - Marek Szaliński
- Clinic of Ophthalmology, University Teaching Hospital, ul. Borowska 213, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.Z.); (M.S.); (A.T.-K.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wroclaw Medical University, ul. Borowska 213, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Anna Turno-Kręcicka
- Clinic of Ophthalmology, University Teaching Hospital, ul. Borowska 213, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.Z.); (M.S.); (A.T.-K.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wroclaw Medical University, ul. Borowska 213, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Realini T, Gupta PK, Radcliffe NM, Garg S, Wiley WF, Yeu E, Berdahl JP, Kahook MY. The Effects of Glaucoma and Glaucoma Therapies on Corneal Endothelial Cell Density. J Glaucoma 2021; 30:209-218. [PMID: 33105305 DOI: 10.1097/ijg.0000000000001722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
A healthy corneal endothelium is required for corneal clarity. Both the glaucoma disease state and its various forms of treatment can have adverse effects on the corneal endothelium. Both the presence of glaucoma and the magnitude of intraocular pressure elevation are related to endothelial cell loss (ECL). Topical medical therapy, laser procedures, and both traditional surgeries-trabeculectomy and tube-shunts-and newer minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries have variable effects on ECL. This review will summarize the reported effects of glaucoma and its treatment on ECL. Concerns for corneal endothelial cell health should be part of the decision-making process when planning glaucoma therapy for lowering intraocular pressure, with added caution in case of planned device implantation in eyes with preexisting ECL and low endothelial cell density at high risk for corneal endothelial decompensation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tony Realini
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, West Virginia University Eye Institute, Morgantown, WV
| | - Preeya K Gupta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Nathan M Radcliffe
- Department of Ophthalmology, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Sumit Garg
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | | | | | | | - Malik Y Kahook
- Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW For decades, laser trabeculoplasty has been a well-proven therapeutic option in glaucoma management, and more recently, it has only gained in popularity. One reason for such popularity is that selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a therapy independent of patient adherence, which is typically low among glaucoma patients. Consequently, the number of studies on SLT has multiplied throughout the past years. This review provides an overview of studies on SLT from the last 12 months. RECENT FINDINGS The studies on treatment outcome show a wide range of success rates of SLT reaching between 18 and 88%; however, study designs differ and many studies are not directly comparable. The prospective laser trabeculoplasty for open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension (LiGHT) trial has demonstrated good efficacy of SLT - 75% of the eyes achieved their target pressure without drops and 58% after a single SLT. SUMMARY SLT has proven to be effective in lowering IOP with satisfactory success rates even after single SLT. SLT is repeatable independent of patient's adherence.
Collapse
|
9
|
Effectiveness of Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty Applied to 360° vs. 180° of the Angle. J Ophthalmol 2021; 2021:8860601. [PMID: 33643665 PMCID: PMC7902141 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8860601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To compare the effectiveness and safety of 360° and 180° of Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) for the treatment of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Methods Retrospective cohort study. The main outcome measure was the Kaplan–Meier analysis comparing the cumulative probabilities of survival between the 360° and 180° SLT groups in terms of IOP reduction. Success was defined as ≥20% IOP reduction from baseline with an IOP between 5–18 mmHg and ≤1 glaucoma medication added postoperatively. Additional outcome measures included changes in average IOP, number of glaucoma medications, and the incidence of postoperative IOP spikes. Measurements were obtained at 6 weeks, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively. Results Two hundred and fifty-eight eyes of 258 patients were included in the 360° group, and 196 eyes of 196 patients were included in the 180° group. The mean IOP reductions at 2 years were 2.21 ± 2.02 mmHg and 2.43 ± 1.81 mmHg (p=0.33) in the 180° and 360° groups, respectively. There were no significant differences in the incidence of postoperative IOP spikes between the two groups. There was a significant difference in the survival curves of the two groups (p=0.035). The Cox proportional-hazard model indicated that 360° of SLT application was a significant predictor of long-term success (p=0.030). Conclusions 360° of SLT application seems to provide for greater long-term IOP control than 180° of application without putting patients at an elevated risk for postoperative IOP spikes.
Collapse
|