Things You Didn’t Know About SLT - Summary - MDSpire

Things You Didn’t Know About SLT

Experienced surgeons dispel myths about selective laser trabeculoplasty and provide pearls and practice insights.

  • By

  • Syril K. Dorairaj, MD, and

  • Ariana Levin, MD

  • Tony Realini, MD, MPH

  • Constance O. Okeke, MD, MSCE

  • Steven R. Sarkisian, Jr., MD

  • Christine Funke, MD

  • Lorraine M. Provencher, MD

  • Marlene R. Moster, MD

  • Shivani S. Kamat, MD

  • Sahar Bedrood, MD, PhD

  • Douglas J. Rhee, MD

  • Jacob W. Brubaker, MD

  • Kateki Vinod, MD

  • Lauren S. Blieden, MD

  • Mary Qiu, MD,

  • Samantha Goldburg, MD

  • John Berdahl, MD

  • March 1, 2026

  • 18 min

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Objective:

To dispel myths about selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) and provide practical insights from experienced glaucoma surgeons, enhancing understanding and acceptance of SLT.

Key Findings:
  • SLT is a cost-effective first-line therapy compared to topical medications, leading to better patient adherence.
  • SLT can significantly improve ocular surface health and patient comfort, reducing the need for multiple medications.
  • Effective communication about SLT can increase patient acceptance, as demonstrated by successful patient interactions.
Interpretation:

SLT is underutilized in clinical practice due to misconceptions and inadequate training, which hinders its proven efficacy and safety from being fully realized.

Limitations:
  • Current residency and fellowship training requirements for SLT are insufficient, limiting the number of trained practitioners.
  • Patient reluctance to choose SLT over medications remains a barrier, often due to lack of understanding and communication.
Conclusion:

SLT should be considered a primary treatment option for glaucoma, with a strong emphasis on patient education and effective communication strategies to enhance acceptance.

Sources:

Original Source(s)

Things You Didn’t Know About SLT

  • by Syril K. Dorairaj, MD, and, Ariana Levin, MD, Tony Realini, MD, MPH, Constance O. Okeke, MD, MSCE, Steven R. Sarkisian, Jr., MD, Christine Funke, MD, Lorraine M. Provencher, MD, Marlene R. Moster, MD, Shivani S. Kamat, MD, Sahar Bedrood, MD, PhD, Douglas J. Rhee, MD, Jacob W. Brubaker, MD, Kateki Vinod, MD, Lauren S. Blieden, MD, Mary Qiu, MD,, Samantha Goldburg, MD, John Berdahl, MD

  • March 1, 2026

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