Opinion Volume 15 Issue 1
Chattanooga Eye Institute, Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA
Correspondence: Pratyush Dhakal, Chattanooga Eye Institute, Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA
Received: January 17, 2025 | Published: February 11, 2025
Citation: Dhakal P. Selective laser trabeculoplasty: The physics behind the laser. Adv Ophthalmol Vis Syst. 2025;15(1):1-2. DOI: 10.15406/aovs.2025.15.00474
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a minimally invasive laser procedure used to treat open- angle glaucoma; a condition that damages the eye's optic nerve due to increased pressure within the eye. This article reviews SLT treatment, including its benefits, risks, and how it works.
Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) has been established as an effective treatment to lower intraocular pressure in people with glaucoma and ocular hypertension.4
What is SLT?
SLT is a laser treatment that targets the trabecular meshwork, the tissue in the eye responsible for draining fluid. By applying low-energy laser pulses to this tissue, SLT triggers a biological response that improves drainage and lowers intraocular pressure (IOP). In addition to IOP reduction, SLT may decrease IOP fluctuation and can be successfully used as primary or adjunctive therapy for the management of both early and advanced glaucoma.1
Benefits of SLT:
How does SLT work?
During SLT, a laser is used to deliver short bursts of energy to the trabecular meshwork (TM). This energy targets the pigment in the cells of the tissue, causing them to release growth factors. These growth factors stimulate the cells to remodel and improve drainage, leading to a reduction in IOP.5
Using Q-switched frequency-doubled 532 nm Nd:YAG laser, SLT targets the pigmented TM cells selectively without damaging the adjacent non-pigmented cells or other structures of the TM.5
If required, Repeat SLT can maintain IOP at or below target IOP in medication-naive OAG and OHT eyes requiring retreatment with at least an equivalent duration of effect to initial laser.2
Who is the candidate for SLT?
SLT is a suitable treatment option for patients with open-angle glaucoma who:
Risks and side effects:
SLT is generally safe, but potential risks and side effects include:
Laser technology:
Interaction with tissue:
Biological response:
Key points:
None.
The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.
None.
©2025 Dhakal, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.