Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) – a modern, gentle therapy option for glaucoma

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is an effective and very well-tolerated laser treatment for lowering intraocular pressure in cases of glaucoma and ocular hypertension—elevated eye pressure without detectable damage to the optic nerve. It aims to improve the drainage of aqueous humor through the so-called trabecular meshwork. This reduces intraocular pressure, which is one of the most important risk factors for progressive damage to the optic nerve.

SLT uses extremely short, energy-saving laser pulses that specifically target pigmented cells in the trabecular meshwork without burning or injuring the surrounding tissue. This is where the term “selective” originates. The treatment is virtually painless, takes only a few minutes, and is performed without incisions or scarring of the eye. You can return to your daily activities just a few hours later.

In the new guidelines of the European Glaucoma Society (EGS), SLT is explicitly recommended for the first time as a “first-line therapy”—an equivalent primary treatment alongside prostaglandin eye drops, which were the previous recommendation for initial therapy. This reflects the scientific data: SLT can achieve a pressure reduction comparable to modern medications and has the advantage that no daily drops are necessary. Furthermore, potential side effects of eye drops, such as redness, burning, or pigmentation, are eliminated. The results of recent long-term studies also show an advantage of laser treatment over eye drops in terms of avoiding the need for later glaucoma surgery.

The effect of SLT lasts for several years in many patients and can be repeated without any problems if necessary. It is suitable for both newly diagnosed glaucoma and as a supplement when drops alone are insufficient or poorly tolerated.

At Eyeside, we offer SLT to our patients as a service covered by health insurance with no deductible. We will advise you individually on whether this gentle and sustainable therapy option is suitable for you and work together to create an optimal treatment plan for the long-term health of your optic nerve.