A comparison of ELT and SLT

A study by Italian researchers, the results of which have been published online by Eye, has found that both excimer laser trabeculotomy (ELT) and selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) are both equally effective treatment options for primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) refractory to medical therapy.

Silvia Babighian and colleagues from St Antonio Hospital in Padova, Italy sought to compare the safety and efficacy of ELT and SLT as a treatment for patients with POAG over a 24 month follow-up period. The prospective, randomized study consisted of 30 consecutive eyes assigned randomly to receive either of the treatments. ELT was performed with the XeCl excimer laser with an emission wavelength of 308 nm, with eight laser spots equally distributed over the anterior trabeculum. The SLT procedures were carried out with a frequency doubled q-switched neodymium : yytrium-aluminum-garnet laser. Approximately 50 adjacent laser spots were distributed over 180° of the trabecular meshwork. Procedure success was defined as a ≥20% reduction in IOP.

After 24 months, success in the ELT group was 53.3% and 40% in the SLT group. Mean IOP decreased 25.0±1.9 to 17.6±2.2 mmHg and from 23.9±0.9 to 19.1±1.8 mmHg in the ELT and SLT groups, respectively.

Babighian and colleagues were able to conclude that both techniques are effective in treating POAG.

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