TJ-CEO
2014 , Vol 9 , Num 2
The Current View to Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty
1M.D., Pendik State Hospital, Eye Clinic, Istanbul/TURKEY2M.D. Professor, Marmara University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Istanbul/TURKEY Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is an easy laser method that can be conveniently learned by ophthalmologists because of the larger spot size used in the technique. It has been demonstrated that SLT is a novel choice to manage intraocular pressure in eyes with several forms of open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension and in eyes unresponsive to prior argon laser trabeculoplasty treatment. Unlike argon laser trabeculoplasty, SLT causes no destruction to the trabecular meshwork because of the use of lower laser energy. This also enables repeatability of the technique. SLT shows equivalent efficacy and similar safety to argon laser trabeculoplasty and topical medical therapy in reducing intraocular pressure. SLT is also being used as a first-line treatment for open angle glaucoma. Additionally, it can be an effective treatment modality among patients who cannot tolerate or comply with classic anti-glaucoma drug therapy. Ocular pain, transient mild inflammation and severe intraocular pressure elevations immediately afterwards the procedure are the most noted complications of SLT. Keywords : Intraocular pressure, glaucoma, selective laser trabeculoplasty