A recent study published in Ophthalmology Therapy has affirmed the long-term safety and efficacy of MicroPulse Transscleral Laser Therapy (TLT) in managing glaucoma. The five-year study provides substantial evidence supporting the use of MicroPulse TLT as a viable alternative to more invasive surgical options for both primary and secondary glaucoma.
Key Findings on IOP and Medication Reduction
The study, conducted by Ronald de Crom, MD, PhD, and his team at the University Eye Clinic Maastricht in the Netherlands, monitored 165 eyes treated between 2016 and 2019, with 112 completing the full five-year follow-up. Using the Iridex Cyclo G6 Laser in MicroPulse Mode, researchers observed a significant 32.5% reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) (p<0.001). Furthermore, there was a notable decrease in the need for IOP-lowering medications among the patients (p<0.005). These benefits were observed across various glaucoma types and severities, with a low incidence of complications.
Retreatment Success and Safety
An important aspect of the study was the assessment of retreatment outcomes. Over the five-year period, only 38% of the eyes required a second MicroPulse TLT procedure. Importantly, these retreatments were as successful as the initial treatments, with no significant increase in complication risk. According to de Crom, the ability to safely repeat MicroPulse treatments offers a significant advantage in long-term glaucoma management, potentially avoiding more invasive surgical interventions.
Implications for Glaucoma Treatment Protocols
The study's findings suggest that MicroPulse TLT can serve as a repeatable, non-invasive option for managing glaucoma over extended periods. This is particularly relevant for patients with secondary glaucoma or those for whom incisional surgery presents considerable risks. Patrick Mercer, CEO of Iridex, emphasized the study's importance, noting it as the first long-term, peer-reviewed validation of MicroPulse TLT's safety, effectiveness, and repeatability.
The results of this study mark a significant step forward in glaucoma care, offering both clinicians and patients a well-supported alternative to traditional surgical methods. By providing a non-incisional, repeatable treatment option, MicroPulse TLT is poised to play an increasingly important role in the comprehensive management of glaucoma.
