Argon Laser Tracbeculoplasty.

Managing glaucoma patients is becoming standard practice in optometry. Knowing the different types of glaucoma how to diagnose them, and the therapeutic regimen for each type are important factors optometrists managing patients with glaucoma should consider. However, there are patients where medical management may not be effective because of allergies, compliance, or medical or topical therapy drift. It is at this point the optometrist must make a decision and recommendation for the management of the patient's glaucoma. It is the purpose of this review to familiarize the optometrist with laser trabeculoplasty and all its aspects regarding mechanism of action of argon laser trabeculoplasty (A.L.T.), procedure, patient s lection, types of glaucoma effectively treated, side effects, and other miscellaneous aspects of A.L.T., such as repeat A.L.T. (R.A.L T.) results. Understanding these interacting factors will help the optometrist make an appropriate referral, and educate prospective patients about their condition and likelihood of success with this procedure.