Long‐term efficacy of low power argon laser trabeculoplasty

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Abstract
We studied the long‐term efficacy of argon laser trabeculoplasty, applying low‐power (a mean of 450 mW), a duration of 0.1 second, and a small number of burns (a mean total energy of 1.85 J) over 90 to 120 degrees of the trabecular meshwork. Fifty‐four eyes with poorly controlled open‐angle glaucoma were treated. The mean follow‐up was 46 months. The mean intraocular pressure decrease was 5.3 mmHg in 35 eyes at one year, 6.1 mmHg in 23 eyes at 3 years, 5.1 mmHg in 13 eyes at 5 years, and 5.4 mmHg in 5 eyes at 6 years. Life‐table analysis showed that the probability of success was 58% at one year, 49% at 3 years, and 46% at 5 years. Both the incidence and magnitude of the intraocular pressure rise in the early post‐laser period were minimal and no serious complications were observed.