Clin Exp OphthalmolAugust 202117 citations

Selective laser trabeculoplasty: A review.

AI Summary

SLT for glaucoma was reviewed, finding it effectively lowers IOP, comparable to other treatments, with less inflammation and minimal mechanical injury, making it a valuable, repeatable option.

Abstract

Glaucoma is the second most prevalent cause of blindness worldwide, and the only effective management is the lowering of intraocular pressure (IOP). Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) has become an essential part of glaucoma management since its commercial release in 2001. It has been an improvement from the previous argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT), by using 1% of the laser energy, reducing the amount of anterior segment inflammation and minimising the degree of mechanical injury to the trabecular meshwork. There is now a large volume of work that demonstrates SLT is equally effective as ALT and topical medication in lowering IOP. It is simple to perform, with a well described side-effect profile, and is long-lasting and repeatable. This review will summarise the current literature on SLT for each of these topics.

MeSH Terms

Glaucoma, Open-AngleHumansIntraocular PressureLaser TherapyTrabecular MeshworkTrabeculectomyTreatment Outcome

Shields Classification

Ch. 11Chronic Open-Angle Glaucoma and Normal Tension Glaucoma

Ch. 27Management of the Glaucoma Patient

Ch. 37Principles of Laser Surgery for Glaucoma

Key Concepts6

Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) uses 1% of the laser energy compared to argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT), reducing the amount of anterior segment inflammation and minimizing the degree of mechanical injury to the trabecular meshwork.

MechanismReviewn=Not applicableCh38

Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is equally effective as argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) and topical medication in lowering intraocular pressure (IOP).

Comparative EffectivenessReviewn=Not applicableCh29Ch38

Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is simple to perform, has a well-described side-effect profile, is long-lasting, and repeatable.

TreatmentReviewn=Not applicableCh38

Glaucoma is the second most prevalent cause of blindness worldwide.

EpidemiologyReviewn=Not applicableCh1Ch10

The only effective management for glaucoma is the lowering of intraocular pressure (IOP).

TreatmentReviewn=Not applicableCh1Ch28

Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) has been an essential part of glaucoma management since its commercial release in 2001.