SELECTIVE LASER TRABECULOPLASTY (SLT)
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty or SLT is a laser treatment that lowers eye pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. It targets the eye’s natural drainage system and improves fluid outflow. As a result, intraocular pressure decreases and the risk of glaucoma damage is reduced. Doctors often use SLT as a first-line or add-on therapy to pressure-lowering eye drops.
WHAT THIS SERVICE TREATS
SLT treats elevated eye pressure linked to open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. High pressure can damage the optic nerve and lead to permanent vision loss. Therefore, early pressure control plays a critical role in glaucoma care. SLT helps manage pressure when medications alone do not reach target levels or when patients prefer fewer daily drops.
HOW THE PROCEDURE WORKS
SLT uses short laser pulses that act on specific pigment cells in the trabecular meshwork. The laser stimulates a biological response that improves fluid drainage. First, the doctor places numbing drops in the eye. Next, a special lens helps focus the laser beam. Then, multiple low-energy laser spots are applied. Consequently, the drainage channel works more efficiently and pressure often falls over the next weeks.
WHO MAY BENEFIT
Your ophthalmologist may recommend SLT after a full glaucoma evaluation. For example, the procedure may help the following patients.
1. Patients with primary open-angle glaucoma
2. Patients with ocular hypertension
3. Individuals who cannot tolerate glaucoma drops
4. Patients with poor drop adherence
5. Cases needing additional pressure reduction
RECOVERY AND FOLLOW-UP
The procedure usually takes only a few minutes per eye. Most patients resume normal activity the same day. Mild redness or temporary blur may occur. However, these effects often resolve quickly. Doctors schedule follow-up visits to measure eye pressure and confirm response. Pressure reduction typically appears within several weeks.
SAFETY AND CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS
SLT has a strong safety profile and does not involve incisions. The laser energy remains low and targeted. Still, short-term pressure spikes or inflammation can occur. Therefore, doctors check pressure after treatment and prescribe anti-inflammatory drops when needed. Some patients may require repeat treatment or additional therapy over time.