TJ-CEO
2007 , Vol 2 , Num 4
Selective Laser Trabecüloplasty
Celal Bayar Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, Göz Hastalıkları A.D., Manisa, Prof. Dr.
Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is an innovative technology used newly in glaucoma treatment. It can be used as a primary treatment in open angle glaucoma as well as as an adjunct to present ocular hypotensive therapy. In this treatment modality using a Q-switched, frequency doubled Nd:YAG laser with very short pulses, the target of the laser is the melanin content of trabecular cells. Consequently, there is no collateral thermal injury in nonpigmented nearby structures and tissues. Short-term as well as long-term studies have shown SLT to be at least as efficient and as safe as argon laser trabeculoplasty. Primary treatment seems similar in efficiency as drug treatment (monotherapy). SLT has two theoretical advantages of being safer and repeatable due to its property of not damaging the trabecular meshwork. However, its repeatability still awaits to be supplemented with long term clinical studies. In addition SLT’s efficacy in pseudoexfoliative glaucoma and pigmentary glaucoma and the issue of how much of the angle should be treated for optimal therapy appear to be areas still needing to be assessed.
Keywords :
Glaucoma, intraocular pressure, selective laser trabeculoplasty