To investigate the efficacy and safety of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) in pregnant and lactating women who have primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

From January 2006 to August 2006 SLT was performed in fertile female patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured at 1 hour, 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after SLT. Anterior chamber reaction and ocular pain were checked on postoperative day 1. Peripheral anterior synechia was examined at postoperative 6 months. Any anti-glaucoma drug was discontinued after SLT procedure, and restarted when needed.

22 patients (40 eyes) of primary open-angle glaucoma (40 eyes) and ocular hypertension (10 eyes) were included. The mean baseline intraocular pressure was 31.6 mmHg. The mean IOP was 15.7 mmHg and the mean number of anti-glaucoma drug was 1.3±0.6 preoperatively. There was successful IOP decrease at postoperative 1 day (17.9 mmHg), 1 week (16.3 mmHg), 1 month (17.7 mmHg), 3 months (18.4 mmHg), and 6 months (19.0 mmHg). The mean number of anti-glaucoma drug was 0.43±0.7 (p=0.000) postoperatively. There were no significant postoperative complications in the 6-month follow-up period.

SLT seems to be a safe and effective procedure for fertile female patients who need to discontinue or reduce the anti-glaucoma drugs.