---
title: What is selective laser trabeculoplasty?
description: "Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a laser treatment for open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. It lowers eye pressure by improving fluid drainage through the trabecular meshwork. ## How SLT works Short pulses of low-energy laser are applied to the drainage…"
url: "https://bluefinvision.com/knowledge-base/topics/treatments-procedures/what-is-selective-laser-trabeculoplasty/"
updated: "2025-12-11"
category: "Treatments & Procedures"
---

# What is selective laser trabeculoplasty?

Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a laser treatment for open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. It lowers eye pressure by improving fluid drainage through the trabecular meshwork.

## How SLT works

Short pulses of low-energy laser are applied to the drainage tissue inside the eye. This stimulates a biological response that increases outflow of aqueous fluid, reducing pressure.

- Usually performed in the clinic with numbing drops
- Recovery is quick and normal activities can often be resumed the same day
- The effect may last several years and can sometimes be repeated

## Further information

SLT is typically offered within a dedicated [glaucoma service](https://bluefinvision.com/glaucoma/) as an alternative or addition to pressure-lowering drops. The video blog [can glaucoma be treated with laser eye surgery?](https://bluefinvision.com/blog/can-glaucoma-be-treated-with-laser-eye-surgery/) provides a neutral explanation of how laser treatments fit into glaucoma care.