Treatment Guidelines

The SLT treatment regimen is evolving and protocols vary from treatment of 360º, 180º or 90º of the trabecular meshwork. The Ellex clinical advisory network has prepared a set of treatment guidelines based on the results of clinical studies.

SLT is a relatively quick and easy outpatient procedure.  During treatment,   approximately 50 confluent spots are placed along the meshwork to treat a 180-degree angle. A large 400-micron spot size simplifies laser positioning on the meshwork.

Studies have shown that ethnicity can play an important role in affecting the efficacy of SLT.

Generally in Asia, there is a much higher incidence of angle-closure, open-angle glaucoma in patients with narrow angles, and normal tension glaucoma. For these cases, Ellex has developed a set of Asian SLT Treatment Guidelines in order to optimize patient results. To view the  Asia SLT treatment guidelines please click here.

Application Notes

The SLT Application Note Series provides in-depth, clinical paper-based, information on specific issues relating to the clinical application of Ellex SLT lasers.

Written in consultation with our clinical advisroy network, the application notes provide a scientific review with accompanying references. The following Application Notes are available for download.

Primary Treatment for Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

In most primary OAG patients, SLT reduces IOP significantly for a few years without any major or permanent side effects or complications. Consequently, the idea of potentially gaining some drug-free years for a newly diagnosed patient by using SLT as the initial therapy is appealing. Download here.

Repeatability

Due to the non-thermal laser characteristic of SLT, it does not cause any collateral damage or burn to surrounding tissues and trabecular meshwork structure. This unique clinical effect allows SLT to be potentially repeatable. Clinical trials on the effect of repeated SLT are currently being completed. Download here.

Normal Tension Glaucoma

The Normal Tension Glaucoma Study Group reported that a 30 percent reduction in IOP can be attained in most NTG eyes with a combination of drugs and ALT. It can therefore be assumed that SLT will achieve similar IOP lowering results in NTG, with the added benefit of potential repeatability and without the side effects associated with ALT. Download here.

Pigment Dispersion Glaucoma and Eyes with Highly-Pigmented Trabeculum

One of the main theories on the mode of action in SLT is that the laser energy is absorbed in melanin granules in the trabeculum, which triggers a reaction that effectively reduces IOP. If this is indeed the case, the results of the treatment should vary according to the degree of pigmentation of the trabecular meshwork. Download here.