A new study casts doubt on the effectiveness of laser peripheral iridotomy treatment, used commonly around the world as a preventative measure for people at risk of developing primary angle closure glaucoma.
The study of almost 900 Chinese patients, led by Professor Mingguang He from the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA) and the University of Melbourne, found laser peripheral iridotomy treatment has only modest benefits. It recommends against the widespread treatment of people at risk of developing the condition as a public health measure and says there should instead be a focus on providing more intensive treatment to those most at risk of losing their sight and on detecting glaucoma earlier.
The study, published in The Lancet, tracked a group of patients aged 50 to 70 at an eye clinic in Guangzhou, China, over six years. Patients received laser treatment in one randomly-selected eye while the other was left untreated. Researchers then monitored both eyes over six years to determine the impact of treatment on preventing further disease development. Although there was a small, statistically significant improvement in eyes that were treated, overall the benefits were limited and the vast majority of patients did not develop any glaucoma symptoms in their untreated eye. “In the past these patients could have been considered eligible candidates for laser treatment, but this new evidence shows that many do not need treatment,’’ said Professor He. “A change in practice from routine preventative laser could save considerable time, money and unnecessary medical interventions.’’
