Visual Acuity Outcomes After Selective Laser Trabececuloplasty in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma and Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma

Purpose: To evaluate and compare the long-term visual acuity (VA) outcomes in patients with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG) and Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma (PXG) following Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT). Methods: A prospective interventional study was conducted on 60 eyes of 48 patients who underwent primary SLT. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 (n=30 eyes) with POAG and Group 2 (n=30 eyes) with PXG. All procedures utilized a 532 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was measured using a Snellen chart. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was also recorded. Patients were followed for 3 months post-operatively. Results: Mean baseline BCVA was compared between groups (POAG: 0.21±0.1; PXG: 0.22±0.12). At 3 months post SLT, the mean BCVA in the POAG group & the PXG group was 0.22±0.12 & 0.23±0.13 respectively , showing no statistically significant change from baseline (p= 0.891, 0.598 respectively). IOP reduction was significant in both groups, though the magnitude was greater in the PXG group. No serious vision-threatening complications related to SLT were observed. Conclusion: SLT is an effective and safe procedure for lowering IOP in both POAG and PXG. While visual acuity remains largely stable in both groups over a 3-month period. SLT does not appear to have a harmful direct effect on visual acuity. Keywords: Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, SLT, Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma, Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma, Visual Acuity, Intraocular Pressure.