Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of prostaglandin analog use on postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) and treatment success following selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT).
Methods: Records from 113 eyes with open angle glaucoma who underwent SLT were reviewed retrospectively. Eyes were categorized as to whether they were receiving a topical prostaglandin analog (n = 78) or other classes of glaucoma medications (n = 35) before and following SLT. IOP was measured before (baseline) and at 1 h, 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month following SLT.
Results: Baseline IOP (±standard error [SE]) did not differ between prostaglandin analog users (18.0 ± 0.48 mmHg) and nonusers (17.5 ± 0.71 mmHg). One (1) month after SLT, average IOP decrease (±SE) was greater (P < 0.02) among prostaglandin analog users (3.4 ± 0.4 mmHg), compared to nonusers (1.6 ± 0.5 mmHg). Also at 1 month, average percent IOP decrease (± SE) was greater (P < 0.015) among prostaglandin analog users (16.5 ± 2.0%), compared to nonusers (7.9 ± 2.7%). At 1 h, 1 day, and 1 week after SLT, there were no differences in average IOP decrease or percent IOP decrease between prostaglandin analog users and nonusers. The percentage of eyes with a 20% or greater decrease in IOP was greater (P < 0.015) among prostaglandin analog users (44.9%), compared to nonusers (22.9%), 1 month after SLT. Also, 48.7% of prostaglandin analog users had an IOP decrease of 3 mmHg or greater, compared to 31.4% of nonusers, 1 month after SLT (P < 0.05). Retreatment rate among prostaglandin analog users (11.5%) was less (P < 0.005) than nonusers (34.3%).
Conclusions: Prostaglandin analog use during the perioperative period prior to and 1 month after SLT is associated with greater average IOP decrease and percent IOP decrease 1 month postoperatively, compared to eyes not receiving these agents. Prostaglandin analog use is also associated with a greater likelihood of treatment success and a lesser likelihood of requiring retreatment 1 month postoperatively.
