Comparative outcomes of topical and laser treatment in newly diagnosed patients with primary glaucoma

PURPOSE. To conduct a comparative evaluation of the efficacy and safety of medication-based hypotensive therapy versus selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) in patients with newly diagnosed primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). METHODS. The study included 59 patients with POAG (59 eyes), divided into two groups. Group 1 received monotherapy with tafluprost, while Group 2 underwent SLT. In cases of intraocular pressure (IOP) decompensation during the follow-up period, Group 1 was prescribed additional topical therapy or switched to SLT, and Group 2 was started on topical therapy. The follow-up lasted 6 months. The study assessed the hypotensive efficacy of the treatments and the condition of visual functions. RESULTS. By the end of the observation period, the hypotensive efficacy in Group 1 was 24%, with an IOP level of 20.1±1.6 mm Hg. Some adverse effects related to topical therapy were observed. In Group 2, the hypotensive efficacy was 20.5%, with an average IOP level of 16.8±2.0 mm Hg. No adverse events were reported in Group 2. CONCLUSION. Preliminary outcomes indicate that the hypotensive efficacy of monotherapy with prostaglandin analogues and SLT is comparable. The clear advantages of laser treatment include reduced adverse effects, which promotes better compliance, adherence to treatment, and decreased risk of disease progression.