Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) In Toronto

Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is being performed more often as another treatment option for glaucoma, rather than or addition to, medications and other traditional glaucoma management. When drops alone are not sufficient in lowering the intraocular pressure, or a patient is suffering from adverse reaction to their glaucoma medication, SLT is a treatment offered to provide an additional aid in lowering eye pressure.

SLT is an effective, non-invasive and pain free outpatient based procedure performed in office. SLT uses short pulses of low energy light to target cells in the trabecular meshwork (sponge-like drainage system). The laser pulses affect only these cells and the surrounding structure of the meshwork is unaffected. This laser treatment induces an automatic response from the body by which the affected cells are cleared and the meshwork is rebuilt with increased porosity; increasing outflow and reducing intraocular pressure.

SLT can be considered a primary treatment option for patients who either cannot tolerate or are unable to self administer glaucoma medications or SLT can be used in conjunction with drug therapy.