Journal of Current Glaucoma Practice

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VOLUME 14 , ISSUE 3 ( September-December, 2020 ) > List of Articles

Original Article

Laser Trabeculoplasty Perceptions and Practice Patterns of Canadian Ophthalmologists

Elizabeth Y Lee, Forough Farrokhyar, Enitan Sogbesan

Keywords : Argon laser trabeculoplasty, Glaucoma, Glaucoma treatment, Laser therapy, Practice pattern, Selective laser trabeculoplasty

Citation Information : Lee EY, Farrokhyar F, Sogbesan E. Laser Trabeculoplasty Perceptions and Practice Patterns of Canadian Ophthalmologists. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2020; 14 (3):81-86.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10078-1283

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 01-12-2020

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2020; The Author(s).


Abstract

Aim: To describe the current practice patterns and perceptions of Canadian ophthalmologists using laser trabeculoplasty (LTP). Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey of 124 members of the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) who perform LTP was conducted. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square comparative analyses were performed on anonymous self-reported survey data. Results: Of the 124 respondents, 34 (27.4%) completed a glaucoma fellowship. Use of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) (94.4%) was preferred over argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) (5.6%). The most frequently cited reasons for SLT preference was less damage to trabecular meshwork (30.7%), availability (16.2%), and repeatability (16.2%). In all, 47.6% of the respondents performed LTP concurrently with medical treatment, 33.9% used it after medical treatment, and 17.7% used it as first-line treatment. Majority (87.1%) of the respondents believed that SLT is effective when repeated. In suitable patients, 41.9% of the respondents stated on average they repeat SLT once, 26.6% twice, and 19.4% greater than 2 times, respectively. Of those who repeat SLT on patients, 80.7% found repeat SLT treatments have good outcomes for patients. In all, 105 (84.7%) ophthalmologists responded they would benefit from an LTP practice guideline. Significantly more ophthalmologists without glaucoma fellowships perceived they would benefit from a practice guideline (p value <0.001). Conclusion: This survey provides valuable practical information on how LTP is used in the treatment of glaucoma in Canada. Clinical significance: The findings may serve as a baseline survey to trend future practices.


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