Long-term Intraocular Pressure Outcome after Successful Laser Iridotomy for the Acute Primary Angle-closure Glaucoma

Purpose: To evaluate the long-term outcome of intraocular pressure (lOP) after successful laser peripheral iridotomy in the eyes with acute primary angle-closure glaucoma. Methods: Retrospective study of 45 eyes of 40 consecutive patients with acute primary angle-closure glaucoma was performed. After successful laser peripheral iridotomy, the subsequent long-term (at least 6 months) lOP outcome was analyzed. Re-elevation of lOP on follow-up was defined as lOP greater than 21 mmHg requiring medications or surgery. Results: Thirty-two eyes (71.1%) of 45 eyes were successfully treated without additional treatment in the long-term follow-up. However, re-elevation of lOP developed in 13 eyes (28.9%) on follow-up, of which 5 eyes (11.1%) eventually underwent trabeculectomy. Sex and age of the patient, duration of acute symptoms & level of lOP were not the risk factors. Conclusions: Although the laser peripheral iridotomy has been known to be effective in initial treatment of acute primary angle-closure glaucoma, close monitoring of lOP is recommended in the long-term follow-up.