What is selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT)?

The newest laser surgical option for the treatment of open angle glaucoma is called selective laser trabeculoplasty or S.L.T. During the S. L. T. procedure, your doctor directs a low frequency laser beam into the trabecular meshwork, which is the primary drainage region of the eye. The S. L. T. laser selectively treats specific cells, leaving untreated portions of the trabecular meshwork intact. This procedure increases drainage of aqueous fluid out of the eye, lowering pressure inside of the eye. S. L. T. is typically painless or results only in minor discomfort. After the procedure, the patient is typically treated with anti-inflammatory eye drops for a couple days. Most patients are scheduled for a return visit within a few weeks to re-evaluate.