What's Happening?
A systematic review and meta-analysis have revealed that unilateral selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT) results in a significant
reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) in the untreated contralateral eye. The analysis included nine studies with 478 eyes, showing a mean IOP reduction of 1.85 mmHg in the contralateral eye 3-6 months post-treatment. This finding suggests that SLT not only benefits the treated eye but also has a positive impact on the untreated eye, which could influence future clinical practices and research.
Why It's Important?
This discovery is important for the treatment of glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness. The ability of SLT to reduce IOP in both treated and untreated eyes could enhance treatment outcomes and patient quality of life. It may also lead to changes in how ophthalmologists approach glaucoma management, potentially reducing the need for medication in some patients. This could result in cost savings for patients and healthcare systems, as well as improved adherence to treatment regimens.
What's Next?
Further research is likely to explore the mechanisms behind the contralateral IOP reduction and its long-term effects. Ophthalmologists may begin to consider SLT as a more comprehensive treatment option for glaucoma, potentially leading to updates in clinical guidelines. Additionally, these findings could prompt new studies to investigate similar effects in other ocular treatments.
