MicroPulse Transscleral Laser Therapy and Its Short-term Impact on Ocular Surface

MicroPulse Transscleral Laser Therapy and Its Short-term Impact on Ocular Surface

MicroPulse transscleral laser therapy (TLT) is proven to be effective in reducing intraocular pressure with minimal complications in either primary or secondary glaucoma. However, its impact on the human ocular surface remains unexplored. This study aims to bridge this gap by examining the clinical and histopathological effects of MicroPulse TLT on the ocular surface.

This prospective study, conducted at Mohamed Taher Maamouri University Hospital in Nabeul, Tunisia, investigates the clinical and histopathological short-term effects of MicroPulse transscleral laser therapy (TLT) on the ocular surface. The study involves 16 eyes from 15 adult patients. Participants underwent MicroPulse TLT, followed by conjunctival biopsies for the analysis of inflammation and fibrosis. Participants also benefited from ophthalmological examination and responded to the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire before and after MicroPulse TLT.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age > 18 years old
• Non-controlled open-angle glaucoma despite undergoing maximal medical therapy
• Poor therapeutic adherence
• Local or general intolerance to topical treatments.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Ophthalmic or general diseases that could potentially impact the conjunctiva such as symblepharon, ocular injury, or prior eye surgery
• Pevious transscleral laser therapy applied to the same eye
• angle-closure glaucoma
• active ocular inflammation
• a non-functional eye (absence of light perception)
• scleral thinning