Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT)
What is selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT)?
Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a type of laser surgery used to reduce intraocular pressure in the eye for patients with glaucoma. It is very effective and can be used as either an initial treatment or an additional treatment alongside eye drops and medications. The effects of selective laser trabeculoplasty are not permanent, however, and usually last between 3-5 years. Symptoms can be controlled with repeat treatment if needed.
Who is a candidate for this procedure?
If you suffer from primary or secondary open-angle glaucoma and you need to lower the intraocular pressure buildup in your eye, then this surgery might be right for you. It is normally offered to people when eye drop medications aren’t working that well or are causing unwanted side-effects.
How does selective laser trabeculoplasty work?
The treatment is carried out as a day-case procedure. A laser is applied to the drainage system in the affected eye through a special contact lens. The energy from the laser stimulates a biochemical change that releases pressure in the eye by allowing fluid to drain more effectively.
What are the risks and complications?
In comparison to other glaucoma treatments and medications, selective laser trabeculoplasty has fewer side-effects and an excellent benefit-to-risk profile. Inflammation in the eye is expected following surgery but this should subside during recovery. Some patients, typically around 5%, experience IOP elevation (increased eye pressure) however, this can be managed with medications and often goes after a day or two.
What are the alternatives?
There are other laser treatments which are similar to selective laser trabeculoplasty, such as:
- Argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) — a thermal laser heats areas of their eye’s drainage system to help the outflow of fluid. This procedure sometimes results in more scarring in comparison to SLT.
- Micropulse laser trabeculoplasty (MLT) — small pulses of energy are directed at the ocular tissues to improve the draining of fluid. MLT has similar side-effects to SLT, in that it results in less inflammation and scarring.
Which specialist performs selective laser trabeculoplasty?
A specialist that is trained in performing this procedure is an ophthalmologist.
SLT (selective laser trabeculoplasty): your guide to the procedure
By Professor Kin Sheng Lim
2021-10-21
There are several treatments for glaucoma, SLT (selective laser trabeculoplasty) being one of them. Mr Kin Sheng Lim, an internationally renowned specialist, explains this effective and safe alternative to eyedrop treatment for glaucoma. See more
Monitoring glaucoma progression: the six main tests
By Professor Kin Sheng Lim
2021-10-20
Having glaucoma means undergoing regular eye tests to ensure that vision quality is preserved. There are several tests for monitoring glaucoma and the frequency of these will depend on the individual patient. Mr Kin Sheng Lim explains what glaucoma patients can expect and explains if surgery is necessary for all glaucoma patients. See more
The LiGHT Trial: eye drops vs. SLT for glaucoma
By Mr Thomas Ressiniotis
2021-10-19
If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma, you may be weighing up whether you should have selective laser trabeculoplasty in the early stages of the condition as opposed to using prescription eye drops. We spoke to one of our leading ophthalmologists Mr Thomas Ressinoitis about a The LiGHT Trial, which was published in The Lancet Journal with the results that showed whether SLT is a better first-line treatment option compared to eye drops. See more
Selective laser trabeculoplasty for glaucoma: can it wear off?
By Mr Vaughan Tanner
2021-10-18
If you are to have laser eye surgery for your glaucoma, you may wonder what will happen if the effects of SLT wears off or does not work in the first place. Thankfully, expert eye surgeon Mr Vaughan Tanner is here to answers these questions and to put your mind at rest. See more
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Mr Thomas Ressiniotis
OphthalmologyExpert in:
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT)
- Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)
- YAG laser capsulotomy
- Glaucoma surgery
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Mr Sivanandy Nagendran
OphthalmologyExpert in:
- Cataract surgery
- YAG laser capsulotomy
- Chalazion
- Dry eye
- Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT)
- Glaucoma
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Mr Muneer Otri
OphthalmologyExpert in:
- Glaucoma surgery
- Cataract surgery
- Glaucoma
- Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)
- Ocular hypertension
- Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT)
- See all
Spire Little Aston Hospital
Spire Little Aston Hospital
Little Aston Hall Drive, Sutton Coldfield, B74 3UP
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Spire Little Aston Hospital
Little Aston Hall Drive, Sutton Coldfield, B74 3UP, Sutton ColdfieldExpert in:
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