Abstract

Study design: Randomized clinical trial (double-blind)
Purpose: To assess the efficacy and side-effects of superior versus inferior laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) in the management of primary angle-closure disease (PACD)
Methods: Patients with PACD were randomized into 2 groups- superior LPI and inferior LPI. The outcome measures were patency of iridotomy, intraocular pressure (IOP), and visual side-effects at each visit during 6 months follow-up.
Results: 304 eyes of 152 patients were included. The mean IOP reduced from 24.64±6.35 and 24.62±7.34 to 19.08±2.86 and 19.07±2.62 in superior and inferior LPI eyes, respectively. All LPIs were patent at 6 months. The mean total laser energy required was lower in inferior group (P<0.01). The post-LPI inflammation was also lesser in inferior LPI (P=0.04).
Conclusion: Both superior and inferior LPIs were equally effective with no significant difference in visual side-effects. Nevertheless, the laser energy required was less in inferior LPI.

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