SLT may be useful as primary glaucoma therapy
London, Ontario-During at least the first 12 months after treatment initiation, selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) and latanoprost 0.005% (Xalatan, Pfizer) are associated with equivalent efficacy and safety profiles when used as primary therapy for newly diagnosed open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, according to the results of a prospective, multicenter, parallel comparison, clinical trial conducted by researchers at Ivey Eye Institute, University of Western Ontario, London.
The study enrolled 100 eyes of 61 patients. Treatment assignment was not randomized, but rather based on patient choice after they received objective, informed consent data about the two options. SLT was performed using the Q-switched 532-nm frequency-doubled Nd: YAG laser (Selecta 7000 and Solo SLT, Coherent/Lumenis) in 74 eyes, and 26 eyes were treated with latanoprost once daily at bedtime.
