OUTCOMES OF YAG LASER PERIPHERAL IRIDOTOMY IN GLAUCOMA PATIENTS IN BANGLADESH: A CLINICAL ANALYSIS

Prof. Dr. Md. Kibria Alam* and Dr. Md. Abdul Matin

ABSTRACT

Background: YAG Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) is a widely used procedure for managing primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) by creating an alternative pathway for aqueous humor outflow. In Bangladesh, where glaucoma remains a significant cause of preventable blindness, evaluating the outcomes of YAG LPI is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies. Objective: In this study our main goal is to evaluate the efficiency of YAG laser PI (peripheral iridotomy) in management of glaucoma patients in Bangladesh. Method: This cross-sectional study was done in the in the Tertiary Hospital from March 2023 to March 2024. A total of 180 consecutive patients were included. On the basis of Academy of Ophthalmology primary Angle Closure glaucoma preferred practice pattern patients were sub divided into three group: primary angle closure suspect (PACS) (#180° iridotrabecular contact [ITC], normal IOP and no optic nerve damage), n=60: primary angle closure (PAC) ($180° ITC with peripheral anterior synechiae [PAS] or elevated IOP, but no optic neuropathy), n=60; and primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) ($180° ITC with PAS, elevated IOP and optic neuropathy,n=60. Result: during the study, 42% percent of the patients had undergone bilateral LPI. 2% produced hyphema in 1st year, followed by 1% produced hyphema in 2nd year, no patients found in 3rd year. mean power used in primary angle closure glaucoma was 132±127.8. On the basis of Logmar chart, mean percentage of visual acuity where before treatment visual acuity of the primary angle closure suspect was 81%, which was 3% increased after treatment, 84%. Conclusion: Based on our study, we conclude that laser iridotomy is a valuable tool in the clinical management of early primary angle-closure glaucoma. It effectively reduces intraocular pressure and improves visual acuity in patients. Additionally, early intervention with laser iridotomy may help lower the risk of progression to primary angle glaucoma

Keywords: YAG laser PI (peripheral iridotomy), primary angle closure glaucoma, primary angle closure