To compare the efficacy of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) in patients treated with either latanoprost or dorzolamide/timolol fixed combination (DTFC) for primary open-angle glaucoma.

This retrospective study included 92 consecutive patients who underwent a 180-degree SLT for the first time. The subjects divided into two groups:patients who received latanoprost (n = 63) or DTFC (n = 29) before and after SLT. The main outcome measure was intraocular pressure (IOP) decrease over five years after SLT. The mean IOP change, mean percentage of IOP reduction, and success rates were compared between the patients treated with latanoprost and the patients treated with DTFC. Success was defined as an IOP decrease ≥ 3 mm Hg or IOP reduction ≥ 20% without additional medications, laser surgery, or glaucoma surgery.

At the postoperative one-year follow-up, the mean IOP was 15.7 ± 2.2 mm Hg in the latanoprost group and, 16.2 ± 2.4 mm Hg in the DTFC group. At the postoperative five-year follow-up, the mean IOP was 15.1 ± 2.5 mm Hg in the latanoprost group and, 14.6 ± 1.7 mm Hg in the DTFC group. There were no statistically significant differences in IOP change, percentage IOP reduction, or success rate between the groups at each time point after the SLT ( p > 0.05).

Selective laser trabeculoplasty showed a reasonable efficacy in lowering the IOP over a five-year follow-up period. There were no significant differences in IOP lowering effect or success rate between the patients treated with latanoprost or DTFC.