Laser Treatments for Glaucoma
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial examines two laser treatments for open-angle glaucoma, a condition that increases eye pressure and can lead to vision loss. It compares the common method, Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT), with a newer, simpler method, Direct Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (DSLT), to determine if DSLT can lower eye pressure as effectively. Participants will receive one of the treatments and will be monitored for changes in eye pressure, medication use, and safety over a year. Individuals with specific types of glaucoma or high eye pressure without previous laser treatment might be suitable candidates. The goal is to determine if the new treatment can improve comfort and access to care for patients. As an unphased trial, this study provides patients the opportunity to contribute to research that could enhance treatment options and accessibility for glaucoma care.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to discuss this with the study team or your doctor.
What prior data suggests that these laser treatments are safe for glaucoma patients?
Research has shown that Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) reliably and safely lowers eye pressure in people with glaucoma. Studies indicate that most patients tolerate it well, though some may experience mild inflammation or minor damage to the eye's surface. These side effects are usually not serious and often resolve on their own.
Direct Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (DSLT) is a newer technique. Early research suggests it might be equally safe. Unlike SLT, DSLT does not require placing a lens on the eye, which can reduce the risk of eye surface damage and inflammation. Although few studies exist, the procedure aims to be as safe as SLT, making DSLT a promising option for those seeking a less invasive treatment.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about these treatments for glaucoma because they offer innovative approaches to managing intraocular pressure. Direct Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (DSLT) is unique because it uses a non-contact laser that doesn't require a gonioscopy lens, reducing the risk of corneal damage and inflammation—a significant advantage over standard methods. Meanwhile, Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is already a widely used laser therapy, but it requires more operator expertise and involves placing a lens on the cornea, which can lead to mild discomfort and inflammation. By offering a more patient-friendly option with DSLT and refining SLT techniques, these treatments could improve the safety and comfort of glaucoma management.
What evidence suggests that this trial's laser treatments could be effective for glaucoma?
Research has shown that Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT), a treatment in this trial, effectively lowers eye pressure, which is crucial for managing open-angle glaucoma. It consistently delivers reliable results over time. Direct Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (DSLT), another treatment option in this trial, is a newer technique offering similar benefits in reducing eye pressure. Studies suggest DSLT could serve as a good alternative because it avoids contact with the eye, reducing the risk of corneal damage. Both treatments in this trial aim to lower eye pressure to help protect the eye from further harm caused by glaucoma.16789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Jella An, MD, MBA
Principal Investigator
Medical University of South Carolina
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals with open-angle glaucoma, including pigmentary glaucoma. Participants should not have other types of glaucoma and must be suitable candidates for laser eye treatments.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants are randomly assigned to receive either DSLT or SLT treatment to reduce intraocular pressure
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- DSLT
- SLT
Trial Overview
The study compares two laser treatments: the established Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) and a new automated Direct SLT (DSLT) using the Eagle system. It aims to see if DSLT can match SLT in lowering eye pressure over a year.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
SLT is a widely used and effective laser therapy to lower intraocular pressure that requires operator expertise and carries risks of mild inflammation, corneal damage and discomfort. This is a standard laser system that requires the use of a gonioscopy lens placed on the cornea to administer.
DSLT is a well-established non-contact laser application that does not require a gonioscopy lens, reducing the risk of corneal damage and inflammation.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Medical University of South Carolina
Lead Sponsor
Published Research Related to This Trial
Citations
First results of direct selective laser trabeculoplasty for the ...
Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is an intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering procedure recognised to be safe and effective in patients with ...
Randomized Noninferiority Trial of Direct Selective Laser ...
Effective glaucoma treatment is limited by nonadherence to medications and access to selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT). The GLAUrious study compared ...
NCT07076303 | A Prospective Study on the Efficacy of ...
Direct Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (DSLT) represents a potential surgical alternative for managing IOP in patients with naive, untreated ...
Direct Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty
In 2019, for the first time, high-quality longitudinal data showed a tangible benefit to using selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) as primary therapy for ...
DSLT: The Future of Glaucoma Treatment
Unlike conventional SLT (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty), which ... Studies show that DSLT offers comparable IOP-lowering results to traditional ...
Randomized Noninferiority Trial of Direct Selective Laser ...
Effective glaucoma treatment is limited by nonadherence to medications and access to selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT). The GLAUrious study compared ...
What is the Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Selective ...
SLT remains an effective long-term treatment option for POAG management. Abstract. Background. Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a laser- ...
Direct vs. Conventional SLT in Open-Angle Glaucoma: A ...
This study compares two laser treatments for open-angle glaucoma: Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) and Direct Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (DSLT). SLT ...
Voyager™ DSLT Laser Treatment for Glaucoma | Alcon US
Indications: Voyager™ DSLT is indicated for use in selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT). Contraindications: Use of the Voyager™ DSLT device is contraindicated ...
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