Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty for Glaucoma Patients in Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital : A Preliminary Report

Phagarnart Eiumtrakul M.D.
Tada Martin M.D.
Prasert Leeungulasatien M.D.
Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of MedicIne, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand

ABSTRACT This is a prospective study of 13 eyes from 8 patients, starting from January 1992 to September 1994.

Among this group there were 5 eyes with prirnary open angle glaucoma (POAG), 1 POAG eye with postoperative trabeculectomy, aphakic glaucoma 2 eyes, 4 eyes with steroid induced glaucoma, and 1 eye with angle recession glaucoma.. Indications for treating with argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) were uncontrolled intraocular pressure (lOP) with full medication (parasympathomimetic drug, adrenergic blocker and carbonic anhydrase inhibitor) or progressive visual field loss even controlled lOP. Most of these eyes were treated first in the inferior half.

In this group of patients the success rate of ALT was 81.8% at 6 months and 72.7% at one year follow up after laser treatment. Anyway 2 eyes had been added the ALT. For one eye, the intraocular pressure could still be controlled after one month, the other had to undergo the trabeculectomy.

We conclude that the argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) is the treatment of choice after medical failure to postpone the surgical procedure in glaucoma patients.