Is Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) Really Worth It?

February 24, 2009

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Dr. Ari Weitzner

I was approached about buying an SLT machine, but I think it’s a poor idea.  SLT is not cheap, and my Argon is paid for already. They say it’s more repeatable, but I have heard others who say that clinically, you get little bang from a second procedure.

For a thorough if somewhat dated analysis of SLT, here’s a link to an article on SLT from the 2004 issue of Ophthalmology Management. If there are any more recent articles, please share them via the Comments to this post.

I’m curious what others have to say about their present experience with SLT .

 

 

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3 Responses to “Is Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) Really Worth It?”

  • Irv Arons
    on February 25, 2009 6:58 pm

    Dr. Weitzner,

    Unfortunately, since my retirement, I have not been attending AAO meetings and keeping up with new developments in the ophthalmic field, except what I read in OSN and Ophthalmology Times. Thus, I cannot point you to a study comparing retreatments with SLT.

    Irv Arons

    PS I am not a doctor — only a layman that spent over 30 years consulting in ophthalmology and medical lasers.

  • Dr. Weitzner
    on February 25, 2009 6:32 pm

    thanks dr. arons
    do you have a link to an article that compared slt treatment after alt, compared to alt repeat? that would be interesting and compelling, but i don’t recall seeing a study like that.

  • Irv Arons
    on February 25, 2009 6:20 pm

    Dr. Weitzner,

    I have written extensively on SLT, after interviewing the inventor. I have also written a comprehensive overview of current and potential treatments for glaucoma.

    You, and your readers, might be interested in taking a look at my online Journal articels of these subjects. I have listed them below, along with links.

    SLT: A New Treatment for Glaucoma Becomes Available

    http://irvaronsjournal.blogspot.com/2006/01/slt-new-treatment-for-glaucoma-becomes.html

    An Update on the Use of SLT for Treating Glaucoma

    http://irvaronsjournal.blogspot.com/2006/11/update-on-use-of-slt-for-treating.html

    Advances in the Treatment of Glaucoma

    http://irvaronsjournal.blogspot.com/2006/01/advances-in-treatment-of-glaucoma.html

    The first article was published in Ocular Surgery News, while the last one was published by OptiStock.

    If you have any questions, I can be reached at:

    iarons(at)erols.com

    Regards,

    Irv Arons

    (former consultant to the ophthalmic industry and columnist for OSN — among others)