Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT)
What is an SLT?
Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a modern laser treatment for glaucoma or increased eye pressure (ocular hypertension).
Glaucoma is a serious, degenerative disease of the optic nerve, which in most cases can be caused by an abnormally high eye pressure. Although the disease is serious and can lead to blindness if left untreated, it can be treated very effectively by lowering the eye pressure if detected early enough.
SLT was specially developed for open-angle glaucoma - the most common type of glaucoma. In contrast to earlier laser methods, SLT can gently treat the chamber angle and stimulate the regeneration of the body's own cells, thereby improving the outflow of aqueous humor and lowering the eye pressure. The procedure is therefore very low-risk and can be repeated at certain intervals without hesitation.
The number of eye drops required daily can be significantly reduced with the SLT laser and, ideally, drug therapy can be dispensed with altogether. SLT has become increasingly popular in recent years, with studies conducted worldwide delivering impressive results.
Areas of application of the SLT
SLT can be used for almost all forms of open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension.
Advantages of the SLT
Due to the gentle treatment of the trabecular meshwork, treatment can be repeated as often as required. In contrast to glaucoma treatment with medication, SLT rarely needs to be repeated and is free of side effects. This therapy often saves the side effects of many years of using conventional therapeutic agents (redness of the eyes, dryness, discomfort, etc.).
SLT is painless and can be performed in an outpatient session, usually lasting 5 to 10 minutes. Depending on the insurance company, the costs are covered in full or for the most part.
Other treatment options
Open-angle glaucoma is usually treated with eye drops, which often have to be used for the rest of the patient's life and are not always free of side effects.
If the conventional treatment options with eye drops are not sufficient, serious interventions such as trabeculoplasty are used. Before an invasive procedure becomes necessary, SLT is a sensible alternative or supplement.
Effectiveness of SLT
SLT reduces intraocular pressure in around 80 % of patients treated. If SLT does not have the desired effect for you, medication with glaucoma drops is still available.
Who is the SLT particularly suitable for?
SLT can be used on medical advice for
- Open-angle glaucoma
- Ocular hypertension (a constantly elevated eye pressure represents a risk of developing glaucoma)
- Drug intolerances
- Combination with drug therapies
- In case of difficulties with the use of medication (especially in older people)
- In case of unreliable use of medicinal therapeutic agents
If you have any questions, you are welcome to make an appointment at the surgery to find out about the feasibility of the procedure.
English 
German