Primary Treatment Options for Open Angle Glaucoma Care

The year 2026 has seen selective laser therapy become a first-line treatment for many patients newly diagnosed with high eye pressure. This procedure is unique because it specifically targets pigmented cells in the eye's drainage system, leaving the non-pigmented cells and the underlying structure completely untouched. This "selective" approach means there is no scarring, allowing the procedure to be repeated if necessary over the patient's lifetime. By stimulating the body's natural healing response, the treatment improves the functionality of the trabecular meshwork, leading to a natural decrease in pressure. This is a major shift from previous decades where medication was always the first step in the journey of a glaucoma patient.

Clinics are now reporting that starting with light-based therapy leads to better long-term stability than starting with drops alone, as it removes the issue of patient compliance. Many centers are pairing these treatments with Ophthalmic Lasers designed for anterior segment imaging to ensure the energy is delivered with perfect alignment. The current success rate for achieving a twenty percent reduction in pressure is now exceeding eighty-five percent in most clinical trials conducted this year. This high reliability is encouraging more healthcare providers to offer the procedure as a safe and effective starting point for managing ocular hypertension and preventing optic nerve atrophy.

Upcoming Automated SLT Platforms for Rapid Delivery 2026

Looking ahead to 2026, the upcoming innovation in this field is the development of automated systems that can treat the entire 360 degrees of the drainage angle in just a few seconds. Currently, the procedure requires the surgeon to manually guide the light around the eye, but upcoming robotic platforms will perform this task with superhuman speed and consistency. This will not only make the procedure faster but also ensure that every part of the drainage system receives the exact same amount of stimulation. These advancements are aimed at making the treatment even more standard and reproducible, regardless of the surgeon's level of experience, ensuring that every patient receives the best possible care.

People also ask

• Why is it called "selective" laser therapy? Because it only targets specific pigmented cells and does not cause any thermal damage or scarring to the surrounding eye tissue.
• Can I stop using my eye drops after this procedure? Many patients are able to reduce or even stop their drops, but this decision must be made by a doctor after monitoring the pressure levels.
• How long does the procedure take to perform? The procedure is very fast, usually taking less than five minutes per eye in a standard clinic setting.