What is SLT?

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a safe and effective therapy for the treatment of open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. It is an advanced, non-thermal nanosecond laser treatment that can achieve reductions in intraocular pressure as effectively as medication, without the associated side effects of eye drops. It can also be used when eye drop medications are not lowering the eye pressure enough or are causing significant side effects. SLT is a therapy and not a surgical treatment in the typical sense – it is gentle, does not destroy tissue, and can be repeated as the effect may decrease over several years.

What happens during the procedure?

This procedure is performed by Dr. Khan at Orbit Eye Centre. The surgeon uses eye drops to numb your eye before placing a lens on the eye to direct the laser energy to the drainage tissue in the eye. This starts a chemical and biological change in the tissue that results in better drainage of the fluid through the drainage system and out of the eye. This eventually results in lowering of the IOP but may take 1-3 months for the results to appear.

What happens after the procedure?

You will need to remain at the office for approximately 30 minutes after your laser to make sure the eye pressure is normal. You will require a follow up appointment in 2-4 weeks time after the procedure.  Your vision will probably be blurred for a short period, but then it should clear in an hour or two. You will not need to wear an eye patch. If your vision does not clear within a day, or if you feel any pain or discomfort, please call our office right away. If it is the evening or the weekend and you are having problems, please contact Alberta Health Link at 811 and speak with a nurse.

What are the risks?

One of the key aspects of SLT is a favorable side effect profile, even when compared with glaucoma medications. Post-procedure inflammation is common but generally mild and can be treated with anti-inflammatory drops, provided after the laser. There is an approximately 5% incidence of elevated eye pressure  after laser, which is managed with glaucoma medications and usually resolves. 

Dr. Ammar Khan, MD, FRCSC, DABO
Eye Physician and Surgeon
Glaucoma Specialist

This information is intended to be for general purposes only and is not meant to replace medical advice by your physician. Please discuss with your physician for more specific information pertaining to you.