AIM: To evaluate theefficacy of selective laser trabeculoplasty(SLT)for different age groups.

METHODS:Totally 46 patients(46 eyes)with primary open angle glaucoma treated by SLT in our hospital from April 2011 to April 2012 were reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups: 26 patients(26 eyes)in young group(<40 years); 20 patients(20 eyes)in middle-aged group(≥ 40 years). The intraocular pressure(IOP)changes between the two groups during the 6 months after SLT were compared. The decreased values of IOP between the two groups were analyzed by the t-test. The effective rates of treatment between the two groups were analyzed by Chi-square test.

RESULTS: The decreased value of IOP and the effective rate of treatment were significantly different between the two groups at all time points.

CONCLUSION: SLT is an effective option for glaucoma therapy, and the young patients are better than the middle-aged patients.