Glaucoma Initial Treatment Study (GITS)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Glaucoma Initial Treatment Study. Comparing the Effectiveness of Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty with Topical Medication A Multicentre, Prospective and Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.
IRAS ID
131856
Contact name
Keith Martin
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Centre for Eye Research Australia
Research summary
Currently the most common treatment to initially reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) in newly diagnosed glaucoma patients is topical eye drops. Whilst being effective in lowering and controlling IOP, eye drops can have side effects. These include eye irritation and redness and some eye drops cause changes in eye colour and eyelash growth. Eye drops are therefore not suitable for everyone.
A laser technique called selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is now also commonly used in clinical practice as an alternative method to reduce intraocular pressure. Recently two studies examining Selective Laser SLT have found that SLT is just as effective as eye drops in lowering IOP.
Although both of these treatments are already commonly used, several evidence gaps still exist with regards to their effects on the quality of life of glaucoma patients, cost-effectiveness and the long term efficacy and repeatability of SLT treatment.This study aims to:
1) compare the effectiveness of SLT with eye drops on health related quality of life in glaucoma patients.
2) compare the cost effectiveness of SLT treatment to topical medication (eye drops) treatment.
3) determine factors associated with treatment outcomes including level of IOP.
4) compare safety and side effects associated with SLT or topical medications (eye drops).REC name
East of England - Cambridge East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/EE/0204
Date of REC Opinion
14 Aug 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion