Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty
A Gentle Laser Option to Lower Eye Pressure in Glaucoma
If you have glaucoma or high eye pressure (ocular hypertension), laser treatment can be an excellent option—especially if you’re trying to avoid or reduce your need for daily eye drops. Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a safe outpatient procedure that helps improve the eye’s natural fluid drainage and lower intraocular pressure (IOP)
At Arbor Eyecare, SLT is part of our personalized approach to managing glaucoma and preserving your vision for years to come.
What Is SLT?
SLT is a non-invasive laser treatment that uses short pulses of low-energy light to stimulate the eye’s natural drainage system—specifically the trabecular meshwork. This improves outflow of fluid from the eye and reduces pressure over time.
The procedure takes just a few minutes—no incisions, stitches, or sedation needed.
Benefits of SLT
No incisions, no downtime
SLT is a quick outpatient procedure done under topical numbing drops.Reduces or eliminates the need for eye drops
Many patients can delay or reduce their dependence on daily glaucoma medications after SLT. The Laser in Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension (LiGHT) trial demonstrated that 69.8% of patients treated with SLT as a first-line treatment maintained their target eye pressure without the need for additional medical or surgical treatment over six years.(superscript 1)Minimal discomfort and fast recovery
Most patients return to normal activities the same day.Safe to repeat
SLT can be safely repeated in the future if pressure begins to rise again.
What to Expect on Treatment Day
The eye is numbed with drops—no needles or injections.
A special lens is placed gently on the eye to help guide the laser.
The laser pulses are delivered in a circular pattern over the drainage angle.
The treatment takes about 2-3 minutes per eye (the overall visit time is around an hour)
Anti-inflammatory eye drops will be prescribed to use four times daily for five days following the procedure.
You may experience mild redness or irritation afterward, but this typically resolves within a day or two.
How Effective Is SLT?
Most patients see a 20–30% reduction in eye pressure after a single treatment. The effect may last several years, although the duration varies from person to person.
SLT can be used as:
- First-line treatment in place of daily drops
- An add-on treatment if pressure is still too high on medications
- A way to simplify your regimen if you’re having side effects or difficulty managing multiple drops
Is SLT Right for You?
SLT is typically recommended for patients with:
Mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma
Ocular hypertension (elevated pressure without optic nerve damage)
Difficulty tolerating or remembering eye drops
A desire to reduce long-term reliance on medications
Our doctors will review your eye health, treatment history, and visual goals to help you decide if SLT is a good fit for your care plan
Still Have Questions?
We’re here to guide you. Whether you’re just beginning glaucoma treatment or exploring options beyond eye drops, SLT is a safe and effective choice worth considering.
To schedule a consultation or send us your questions, call (425) 831-2020 or message us through the Patient Portal. [make the words patient portal a hyperlink to that page on our site]
Fill out the form below to learn more about Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty.
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