Сorneal endothelium after laser activation of trabecula in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma

Abstract

Laser interventions as microinvasive methods of treatment of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma are widely used in clinical practice because they are effective, safe, the period of rehabilitation after this type of treatment is short, the risk of postoperative complications is minimal. In the scientific literature there are data on the effect of laser radiation on the corneal endothelial cells, that is why this aspect should be investigated in the development and use of new laser technologies in the treatment of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. One of the most modern methods of corneal examination is known to be lifetime confocal microscopy, which allows to visualize corneal tissue at the cellular level. Purpose: to study the effect of laser radiation on the state of corneal endothelial cells in YAG-laser activation of trabecula in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. Materials and methods. Sixteen eyes of 15 patients were included in the analysis: 7 men and 8 women aged 53 to 74 years. The mean age of patients was 65.8±5.35 years. All patients underwent YAG-laser activation of trabecula: Nd-YAG laser, 1064nm, 0.8-1.2MJ, 30NS pulse duration, 10-15µm a spot diameter, 55-70 pulses in the circle. In different periods of observation (before laser treatment, 1 hour, 1 week, 1 month, 6 months after laser intervention) the level of IOP was monitored, the state of endothelial corneal cells was studied by confocal microscopy. Results. According to the results of confocal microscopy statistically significant difference between the average density of endothelial cells, polymegathism, and pleomorphism have not been identified. Conclusion. The study did not reveal a negative impact of YAG-laser activation of trabecula on the endothelium of the cornea, which indicates the safety of this technology.