Researchers recently examined IRIS Registry data to assess factors associated with laser trabeculoplasty (LTP) responses. The retrospective cohort study included 263,480 eyes that underwent LTP for glaucoma. Eyes that achieved a less than 20% IOP reduction after eight weeks were considered non-responders, while responders experienced a greater than or equal to 20% IOP reduction.

In the cohort, the mean baseline IOP was 19.1±5mm Hg and participants were on a mean of 2.1±1.5 medications before the laser procedure. Overall, the researchers reported a response rate of 36.9%, with a 68.8% response rate for those with a baseline IOP greater than 24mm Hg. They noted that a higher baseline IOP was associated with reduced odds of non-response, while angle recession, uveitis and aphakia increased the odds of a non-response. 

Only 19.6% of eyes in the study had no preoperative medications; of those on at least one medication at baseline, 76.3% saw a reduction in the number of medications post-op.

The researchers concluded that further studies in LTP responder survival and implementation lag would optimize resources in glaucoma therapy.