Nd:YAG Laser Iridotomy in the Management of Secondary Glaucoma Associated with Behçet's Disease

Abstract

Purpose

To report the outcome of Nd:YAG laser iridotomy in the management of secondary glaucoma associated with Behçet's disease (BD).

Methods

In this prospective study, Nd:YAG laser iridotomy was performed on eyes with secondary angle-closure and pupillary block glaucoma associated with BD. The pretreatment and post-treatment intraocular pressures (IOP) and the number of antiglaucoma medications were compared by Mann-Whitney U test.

Results

The study consisted of 16 eyes of 11 patients (2 female, 9 male, mean age 39.2±8.9 years). Post-treatment follow-up ranged from 6 to 36 months (mean 13.8±8.9). The mean IOP was 21.6±2.5 mmHg on 2.5±0.6 medications before iridotomy. IOP reduced to 17.7±2.5 mmHg on 1±0.6 medications at the first month and 17.1±3.2 mmHg on 1.7±0.9 medications at the sixth month of treatment. The differences between IOP and number of antiglaucoma medications at baseline and at the sixth month of the treatment was statistically significant (p<0.00001). For four eyes trabeculectomy with mitomycin C and for one eye Ahmed valve implantation were performed in the follow-up period.

Conclusions

Nd:YAG laser iridotomy can provide reduction of IOP and the number of antiglaucoma medications in selected cases with secondary glaucoma associated with Behçet's disease. (Eur J Ophthalmol 2007; 17: 191–5)