What is Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty?

What is Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty?

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) lowers intraocular pressure by using short pulses of low energy laser light to target melanin-rich cells in the trabecular network, which drains fluid from the eye, resulting in increased fluid outflow. The selective technique is much less traumatic to the eye than argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT), the most common current laser procedure. The limitations of ALT are primarily related to its coagulative effect, which leads to scarring of the trabecular meshwork. SLT retains the therapeutic benefit of laser treatment- reduced intraocular pressure, without the collateral thermal damage to non-melanin containing cells and to the trabecular meshwork structure. with SLT, there is no requirement for patient compliance to any medication.