A new meta-analysis has found that selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) offers comparable effectiveness to traditional medication therapy in managing open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT), while reducing the need for additional surgeries, medications, and adverse effects.

The analysis, published in the December issue of the Journal of Glaucoma, reviewed 14 randomized controlled trials involving 1,706 patients. It found no significant difference in IOP between SLT and drop therapy at 2, 3, 6, and 12 months. However, medical therapy demonstrated slightly better IOP control at one month and a higher proportion of patients achieving at least a 20% reduction in IOP.

SLT was associated with a lower frequency of glaucoma surgeries, reduction in the need for medications, and reduced ocular complications compared to the medication group. These benefits were consistent across treatment-naïve patients and those on various classes of glaucoma drugs.

The authors concluded that their findings suggest SLT is a safe and effective option for patients seeking alternatives to daily medication for glaucoma or OHT management, but emphasized that long-term studies are needed to further solidify these conclusions.