Introduction

Laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) is an established method used in the prevention of acute attacks of primary angleclosure glaucoma in patients with a narrow filtration angle (FA). Previous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of LPI in reducing the risk of acute glaucoma attacks. The present study additionally evaluated the effect of LPI on ocular pain and headache in patients with a narrow FA.

Aim of the study

To retrospectively analyze the outcomes of LPI in patients with a confirmed narrow FA who reported ocular pain and headaches.

Material and methods

The analysis included 253 patients (491 eyes) who underwent LPI because of narrow FA accompanied by ocular pain and/or headaches. Pain symptoms were evaluated before and after the procedure, and the incidence of acute glaucoma attacks was assessed during a follow-up period of up to six years. Patient age, sex, and the presence of hyperopia were also analyzed.

Results

Reduction or complete resolution of ocular pain and/ or frontoparietal headache was observed in 84.7% of patients. No patient experienced an acute glaucoma attack during the sixyear follow-up period. Patient age ranged from 10 to 89 years. The largest age group comprised individuals aged 46–60 years (36.8%), whereas 35.6% of patients were younger than 45 years. Women accounted for 77.9% of the study population. Hyperopia was found in 78.2% of patients.

Conclusions

In patients with a narrow FA, LPI may be associated not only with a reduced risk of acute glaucoma attacks but also with a reduction or complete resolution of ocular pain and/or headaches. In the study group, this effect was also observed in patients in whom ocular pain or frontoparietal headache, together with suspected narrow FA, constituted an indication for further diagnostic evaluation. Suspicion of narrow FA identified during optometric examination using the van Herick method was one of the important factors prompting further assessment of FA width.