Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty versus Latanoprost: A Randomized OCT Angiography Study of Retinal Microvascular Changes in Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension
Berat Akıncı, Serdar Bayraktar, Fatma Büşra Altaş, Emine ŞenPrécis:
SLT and latanoprost achieved significant IOP reduction, while macular and peripapillary OCT-A-derived vascular parameters remained largely stable over 6 months in treatment-naïve patients with early-stage POAG and OHT.
Purpose:
To compare the effects of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) and topical latanoprost 0.005% treatments on macular and optic nerve head (ONH) microvascular parameters in patients with newly diagnosed early-stage primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT), using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A).
Materials and Methods:
Sixty eyes of 60 patients with POAG (n=33) and OHT (n=27) were included and randomized into SLT (n=30) and latanoprost (n=30) groups. OCT-A measurements were obtained at baseline, week 2, and months 1, 3, and 6. Macular superficial capillary plexus vessel density (VD) was assessed using 6×6 mm scans, and radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) VD was evaluated using 4.5×4.5 mm ONH scans. Intra- and inter-group comparisons were performed.
Results:
At week 2, intraocular pressure (IOP) levels were significantly lower in the SLT group than in the latanoprost group (
Conclusion:
Both treatments provided significant IOP reduction, while macular and ONH microvascular parameters remained largely stable over the 6-month follow-up. The clinical significance of this vascular stability requires further investigation in longer-term studies.