About this procedure
Laser procedures for glaucoma are intended mainly to manage intraocular pressure. The choice of technique depends on the type of glaucoma, the drainage angle, disease course and response to prior treatment.
What you should know
Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) aims to improve fluid drainage through the trabecular meshwork and is used for certain forms of open-angle glaucoma. Micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation has a different mechanism and should not be confused with SLT.
Symptoms and reasons for assessment
Laser therapy may be discussed when eye pressure remains above the agreed target, visual-field or optic-nerve damage progresses, or pressure-lowering drops are ineffective or poorly tolerated. Early glaucoma can be symptom-free, so how a person feels is not a reliable guide.
Other possible explanations
Raised intraocular pressure does not always mean glaucoma, and glaucomatous damage may occur at pressures within a typical range. A single pressure reading or the diagnosis label alone cannot determine the correct laser procedure.
How the condition is assessed
Assessment may include the anterior eye and drainage angle, tonometry, optic-nerve examination, OCT and visual-field testing. Previous eye surgery, anatomy and other health conditions are also considered.
Treatment and follow-up options
SLT, micropulse treatment, eye drops and filtering surgery serve different purposes. Laser treatment does not guarantee freedom from drops and cannot restore vision already lost to glaucoma. Further pressure checks and follow-up are essential.
When urgent care is needed
Sudden severe pain in a red eye, marked blurring, nausea or vomiting may indicate an acute glaucoma emergency. Seek immediate ophthalmic care instead of arranging routine SLT. Call 103 for life-threatening emergencies.
Related health information
Glaucoma; Computerised visual-field testing (perimetry); Glaucoma surgery.
Signs and symptoms
Diagnosis and tests
Care and treatment approaches
When to seek urgent care
Frequently asked questions
Can I stop eye drops after SLT?
Some people need fewer drops, but this cannot be promised; follow-up eye pressure measurements remain important.
Are SLT and micropulse cyclophotocoagulation the same?
No. They have different mechanisms and indications, so the ophthalmologist selects the approach.
Can laser treatment bring back lost peripheral vision?
No. The aim is to reduce the risk of further optic-nerve damage, not restore already lost vision.
Information sources
Medical source links used when preparing this article.
Important information
A medical consultation is needed for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Self-treatment can be harmful to your health.
