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.


The LiGHT Trial: eye drops vs. SLT for glaucoma
By Mr Thomas Ressiniotis
2022-05-25
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


Monitoring glaucoma progression: the six main tests
By Professor Kin Sheng Lim
2022-05-25
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


A clear look at selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT)
By Ms Nishani Amerasinghe
2022-05-25
What is selective laser trabeculoplasty and what does it treat? Expert consultant ophthalmic surgeon, practising in Winchester and Southampton, Ms Nishani Amerasinghe, shares her expertise on the treatment; what it is, what it treats, and what to expect from the procedure. See more


SLT (selective laser trabeculoplasty): your guide to the procedure
By Professor Kin Sheng Lim
2022-05-25
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
-
Mr Thomas Ressiniotis
OphthalmologyExpert in:
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT)
- Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)
- YAG laser capsulotomy
- Glaucoma surgery
-
Mr Sivanandy Nagendran
OphthalmologyExpert in:
- Cataract surgery
- YAG laser capsulotomy
- Chalazion
- Dry eye
- Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT)
- Glaucoma
-
Mr Muneer Otri
OphthalmologyExpert in:
- Cataract surgery
- Glaucoma surgery
- Glaucoma
- Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)
- Ocular hypertension
- Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT)
-
Mr Atul Bansal
OphthalmologyExpert in:
- Cataract surgery
- Glaucoma surgery
- Glaucoma
- Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT)
- YAG laser capsulotomy
- Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)
- See all

Spire Little Aston Hospital
Spire Little Aston Hospital
Little Aston Hall Drive, Sutton Coldfield, B74 3UP
No existe teléfono en el centro.
By using the telephone number provided by TOP DOCTORS, you automatically agree to let us use your phone number for statistical and commercial purposes. For further information, read our Privacy Policy
Top Doctors
-
Spire Little Aston Hospital
Little Aston Hall Drive, Sutton Coldfield, B74 3UP, Sutton ColdfieldExpert in:
- Bariatric Surgery
- General Surgery
- Orthopaedic surgery
- Robotic Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Ophthalmology