Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) Instead of Glaucoma Drops For the Treatment of Glaucoma

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a painless laser procedure that is performed in the office for the treatment of glaucoma. The procedure is performed with topical anesthetic drops and takes about five minutes to perform. During the laser surgery, the eye is numbed so that there is little or no pain. The eye doctor then holds a special lens to the eye. The laser beam is aimed into the eye, and there is a bright light, like a camera flash. SLT uses a laser that works at very low levels. It treats specific cells “selectively” leaving untreated portions of the trabecular meshwork intact. For this reason, SLT may be safely repeated. 

The procedure has been around for about 10 years and can be used instead of drop therapy to control glaucoma (pressure related optic nerve damage). SLT is covered by medical insurance and can allow a significant cost savings to patients while providing the convenience of not taking a drop to lower eye pressure.

Dr. John Baldinger MD at Capital Eye Consultants has extensive experience with SLT and has found it to be a useful modality to help control intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients. More information about SLT can be found on the Capital Eye Consultants webpage..