To compare the efficacy of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) in phakic and pseudophakic eyes in primary open-angle glaucoma.

Charts of 55 phakic eyes and 24 pseudophakic eyes that underwent 360-degree SLT were retrospectively reviewed. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured before SLT and 1 week, 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months after SLT. Treatment success was defined as IOP reduction ≥ 20% without additional medications, laser or glaucoma surgery. Mean IOP change, mean percentage of IOP reduction and success rates of phakic and pseudophakic eyes were compared.

Mean percentage of IOP reduction after SLT at 1 week and 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months were 18.8%, 23.9%, 24.6%, 23.3%, 24.0%, 22.1%, 20.8%, and 17.9%, respectively, in the phakic group and 15.7%, 22.3%, 23.7%, 25.3%, 25.6%, 25.2%, 21.9%, and 19.3%, respectively, in the pseudophakic group. Success rates were 57.6 ± 11.9% in the phakic group and 61.3 ± 10.4% in the pseudophakic group. No statistically significant differences in IOP change, percentage of IOP reduction, and success rates were observed between the groups at each time point after SLT ( p > 0.05).

Application of 360-degree SLT appears an efficient treatment option for the management of phakic and pseudophakic open-angle glaucoma. Evaluating the success of SLT 1 month postoperatively may be premature.