Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)

SLT or Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty is a procedure that uses a laser to aid in fluid drainage from the eye, decreasing pressure. This low-level laser opens the drainage angle of the eye so fluid can drain out of the front of the eye. A slit-lamp microscope is used to guide the laser into the trabecular meshwork of the eye. This procedure is often done as a primary treatment for open-angle glaucoma patients before other surgical procedures are tried.

SLT is a fairly low-risk surgical procedure and complications are rare. An SLT laser is often combined with a YAG laser. Yag Laser Capsulotomy is a procedure intended to correct posterior capsule opacity. Having these lasers bundled together can benefit a practice in saving space and money as wells as improving practice efficiency.