Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, or SLT, is a laser treatment used to help manage open-angle glaucoma, the most common form of the disease. Rather than relying solely on daily eye drops, SLT works directly on the eye's natural drainage system to help lower intraocular pressure.
How SLT Works
The eye continuously produces and drains fluid to maintain its pressure. In open-angle glaucoma, this drainage system — called the trabecular meshwork — becomes less efficient at letting fluid out, which allows pressure to build. SLT uses a low-energy laser to selectively target pigmented cells within the trabecular meshwork, stimulating a biological response that improves the tissue's ability to drain fluid. Because it targets specific cells rather than producing a burn, SLT causes minimal damage to surrounding tissue and can typically be repeated in the future if needed.
What to Expect
SLT is performed in the office as an outpatient procedure. Numbing drops are applied, and a special lens is used to help direct the laser to the drainage angle of the eye. The treatment itself typically takes just a few minutes, and most patients feel little to no discomfort during the process. There's generally no significant downtime, though your provider may ask you to use anti-inflammatory drops for a short period afterward and will schedule a follow-up visit to check your eye pressure.
Why We Offer SLT
SLT provides an effective option for lowering eye pressure in appropriate candidates, either as an alternative to drops or alongside them. Your provider will evaluate your specific type and stage of glaucoma, along with your overall eye health, to determine whether SLT is a suitable part of your treatment plan.