Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty;
SLT LiGHT Trial
Understanding the Benefits, Process, and Considerations of SLT in Managing Glaucoma
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a laser to create small openings in the trabecular meshwork, a network of tissue that drains fluid from the eye. This allows more fluid to drain, which helps to lower intraocular pressure (IOP).
SLT is a safe and effective treatment for glaucoma, and it is often used as an alternative to eye drops. The Laser in Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension (LiGHT) Trial found that SLT was as effective as eye drops in lowering IOP at 3 years. In addition, SLT was associated with fewer side effects, such as redness, irritation, and blurred vision. SLT was also associated with a lower cost than eye drops.
A recent study published in the journal Lancet found that initial treatment with SLT offered freedom from drops to nearly 75% of LiGHT Trial participants for at least 3 years. The study also found that longer-term IOP control after initial SLT and additional SLT could prolong drops freedom further and could reduce the requirement for intense medical or surgical treatment over a patient’s lifetime.
How SLT Works
SLT works by stimulating the trabecular meshwork, which helps to open up the channels and allow more fluid to drain out of the eye. This lowers IOP and helps to protect the optic nerve from damage.
Safety and Effectiveness
SLT is a safe and effective treatment for glaucoma. It is a minimally invasive procedure that is associated with few side effects. The LiGHT Trial found that SLT was as effective as eye drops in lowering IOP at 3 years.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of SLT are redness, irritation, and blurred vision. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own within a few days.
Cost
SLT is a cost-effective treatment for glaucoma that is covered by Medicare and most commercial insurances with no prior authorization needed. This results in no out of pocket costs, other than your agreed upon deductible, co-insurance and copay with your insurance company. It is often less expensive than eye drops in the long run, and is performed in the doctor's office.
Click below to watch and read more about the LiGHT Trial
https://www.aao.org/webinar-detail/glaucoma-update-slt-mild-glaucoma
https://www.thelancet.com/article/S0140-6736(18)32213-X/fulltext
https://www.aaojournal.org/article/S0161-6420(22)00732-1/fulltext
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36122660/