What does SLT stand for in ocular therapy and what is its purpose?

What does SLT stand for in ocular therapy and what is its purpose?

• A. Standard Laser Therapy; to reduce pupil size
• B. Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty; to improve aqueous humor outflow in certain glaucoma patients
• C. Specialized Laser Therapy; to decrease intraocular pressure by decreasing production
• D. Supervised Laser Treatment; to treat retinal detachment

Answer: (B)

SLT stands for Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty. It’s a laser procedure designed to improve drainage of aqueous humor through the trabecular meshwork in people with open-angle glaucoma who need better outflow control. The laser delivers short pulses that selectively affect pigmented trabecular meshwork cells while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. This remodeling lowers resistance to outflow, which reduces intraocular pressure. It’s typically used in certain glaucoma patients and can be a preferred option when medications aren’t enough or aren’t well tolerated. It does not reduce pupil size, nor does it decrease aqueous production, and it’s not a treatment for retinal detachment. Side effects are usually mild and transient, such as a temporary rise in IOP or inflammation.

SLT stands for Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty. It’s a laser procedure designed to improve drainage of aqueous humor through the trabecular meshwork in people with open-angle glaucoma who need better outflow control. The laser delivers short pulses that selectively affect pigmented trabecular meshwork cells while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. This remodeling lowers resistance to outflow, which reduces intraocular pressure. It’s typically used in certain glaucoma patients and can be a preferred option when medications aren’t enough or aren’t well tolerated. It does not reduce pupil size, nor does it decrease aqueous production, and it’s not a treatment for retinal detachment. Side effects are usually mild and transient, such as a temporary rise in IOP or inflammation.