Early & delayed effect of using steroid following SLT, randomised controlled trial

Abstract

PurposeTo determine the effect of using topical corticosteroid in the early post‐SLT period on the result of the procedure; intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, development of postoperative uveitis and patient's discomfort level in the early postoperative periodMethodsPatients underwent bilateral SLT as primary treatment or as an alternative treatment after washout of their glaucoma medications.Following SLT one eye was selected randomly to use topical prednisolone for 1 weekPost‐SLT inflammation, discomfort and IOP level during the following 6 months was compared between eyes used prednisolone and eyes did not.Results15 patients were recruited, most had POAGEyes were randomized between group 1 used topical Prednisolone 1% qid for 1 week following 360* SLT, the other eye was in group 2 and only used lubrications.IOP for group 1 &2; pre SLT 24.1 ± 2 & 24.5 ± 3 (p = 0.66),3 months following SLT 17.2 ± 2 & 17.7 ± 3 (p = 0.75), and on final 6 months visit, 17 ± 2 & 17.7 ± 3 (p = 0.32).IOP reduction following SLT in group 1&2 was 7.2 & 6.8 (p = 0.60).A day after SLT 4 eyes had mild uveitis in group 1 & 6 in group 2, all cleared by 1 week.More eyes had more sever conjunctiva congestion in group2 than in group 1.One patient developed IOP increase upon using Prednisolone, IOP dropped after cessation of treatment (steroid responder).ConclusionsThe use of potent steroid following SLT doesn't have an effect on the final IOP reduction, and reduced post SLT inflammation & discomfort.