Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)

At CHEC, we understand the impact glaucoma can have on your vision and daily life. This dedicated page aims to provide you with essential information about selective laser trabeculoplasty, an effective way to manage eye pressure.

Understanding Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a safe, gentle, and highly effective laser treatment used to lower intraocular pressure (fluid pressure inside the eye). It is primarily recommended for patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

At CHEC, we provide modern, patient-focused eye care on behalf of the NHS and private patients, helping protect your vision with minimally invasive procedures like SLT.

What is SLT and How Does It Work?

Inside the front of your eye, a natural fluid called aqueous humour is constantly produced and drained to keep the eye healthy and inflated. If the eye’s natural drainage channels—known as the trabecular meshwork—become partially blocked, fluid builds up. This raises pressure inside the eye, which over time can damage the optic nerve and impair vision.

SLT works by delivering short pulses of low-energy laser light directly to specific pigmented cells within the trabecular meshwork.

Selective Target: Unlike older laser therapies, SLT selectively targets only the specific cells containing melanin (pigment), leaving surrounding tissue untouched.
Natural Drainage: The laser stimulates the eye’s natural healing response, clearing the drainage system so fluid flows out more easily.
Non-Thermal: Because it uses very low energy, it creates no burning or scarring of the delicate eye tissue.

Key Takeaway: SLT opens up your eye’s natural drainage channels without causing permanent structural damage, lowering pressure naturally and gently.

Why Might You Need SLT?

NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines recommend SLT as a first-line treatment for newly diagnosed open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Your ophthalmologist or specialist optometrist may recommend SLT if:

You are newly diagnosed: SLT can reduce or eliminate the need to start daily eye drops altogether.
You experience side effects from drops: Many patients experience red, irritable, or dry eyes from daily glaucoma drops.
Adherence is difficult: Remembering to apply eye drops every day at fixed times can be challenging; SLT offers continuous pressure control without daily routines.
Eye drops are no longer sufficient: If your current drops are not lowering your eye pressure enough, SLT can be added to your treatment plan for extra control.

Benefits of SLT Treatment at CHEC

Feature	Benefit
High Success Rate	Lowers intraocular pressure in around 75–80% of patients.
Quick & Outpatient	Takes around 10–15 minutes as an outpatient procedure—no hospital stay needed.
Painless	Anesthetic drops numb the eye completely before the procedure starts.
Repeatable	Because it leaves no scar tissue, SLT can often be safely repeated in the future if needed.

Patient Testimonials

Exquisite and exemplary cataract customer service from booking to surgery follow-up appointments. The staff throughout both procedures have been extremely supportive, professional, and compassionate.

Keith R Whitburn
The nurse clearly explained what checks she was about to carry out and made me feel relaxed during the process.

Trevor Wood
I was terrified of undergoing the procedure, but the Endoscopist and the nurses present were wonderful and made an uncomfortable procedure as pleasant as possible. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of you who were present.

Gayle Taylor
Fantastic staff from entering the building to leaving. Everybody was friendly, confident and couldn't have asked for anymore from them. A genuine credit to the NHS.

Gareth
The service and treatment were outstanding, with no long waiting time for an appointment. Following my consultation, I was given an appointment the next day to have my cataract removed. What a great service.

John Elliott
It was a very quick process from the consultation to the procedure. Very friendly and helpful staff.

Helen C
My 2nd cataract surgery was, in my opinion, a superb example of patient care. My surgeon and all the other staff were great ambassadors for CHEC.

John Dunbavand
I just had my cataract surgery at CHEC. Despite my nerves, the staff were reassuring and made me feel comfortable. The surgery was quick, I was kept informed at every stage which was great. I cannot recommend CHEC highly enough.

Gill
As soon as I arrived, I was made to feel at ease. All staff were friendly but professional, they couldn’t have been any better. I now have no fear in returning to continue my treatment.

Linda S
This was my first visit to CHEC, the Reception staff were extremely helpful and polite. All the other staff were very pleasant and made you feel welcome to be there, credit to you all.

Linda James
Welcoming, friendly, attentive, efficient, and above all, patient. Having my eyes tested at this practice provided excellent service at a time when one might wonder why these tests are necessary. Thanks to the staff I met today.

Kevin Johnson
The staff at Ilford were excellent. The nurses explained my procedure step by step, and when I met with the doctor, they were very welcoming and made me feel comfortable. Thank you so much.

Barbara Murphy
The staff are all very friendly, very kind and very smiley. I had a good experience, and I would definitely recommend Ilford practice to friends and family.

Raahim
I had my second cataract procedure at CHEC in Blackpool today. Once again l was impressed by the kindness, helpfulness, good humour, and professionalism of everybody who works there. Thank you.

Graham Jones
I had a laser capsulotomy treatment in Stevenage on Monday 26th February. I was in and out of the treatment centre in under 10 minutes. All instructions were easy to follow with astonishing results. Well-done and thank you.

S Frost
The staff were brilliant at each stage which made the entire process calming, from consultation through to the surgery. The receptionists were fantastic.

Kim
I found the whole process to be highly professional and competent and would therefore recommend this organisation without reservation to anyone who needs cataract surgery.

Nigel Morgan
I was made to feel relaxed from the moment we arrived by all the amazing staff. I wish other medical institutions were like this. Thank you.

K.R.
All the staff were attentive, polite and friendly. They listened to my individual needs and took great care of me.

Mary Dyas
Really quick referral and appointment at CHEC Stockport. Lovely staff. Efficient and timely appropriate medical care. Responsive follow up. Premises are really clean and a pleasant experience at a worrying time of a health issue involving eyesight. Excellent care thank you!

Richard
I am very pleased with the service at CHEC, it is absolutely first-class. From the receptionists, the way I was treated and having the operation done was good. Since having the operation my vision has been very good.

Anonymous
The whole process has been very fast and exceeded my expectations. The staff are all very friendly and professional. I am very pleased with CHEC Northampton.

Anonymous
I’m amazed by the quick, efficient service and ecstatic about the results. I now see car number plates, road signs, and TV text bright and clearly, with everything appearing detailed. This is the best birthday present ever. Thank you so much, please don’t change a thing.

Marian Curran