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Updated: Jan 28, 2026
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Assessing Early Stage Open-Angle Glaucoma in Patients by Isolated-Check Visual Evoked Potential
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Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty Compared to Medication for Open-Angle Glaucoma Patients: A Systematic Review and
Samantha So1, Teng Qing Wang2, Amardeep Thind1
1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada, uwo.ca.
Journal of Ophthalmology
|January 26, 2026
Summary
Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) offers greater long-term intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction than medication for glaucoma. SLT also significantly decreases medication use, while medication alone does not.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Laser Therapy
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is an alternative glaucoma treatment that reduces intraocular pressure (IOP).
- Recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing SLT and medication necessitate an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs comparing SLT and medication for open-angle glaucoma.
- To evaluate the efficacy of SLT versus medication in reducing IOP and medication burden.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was performed across multiple databases up to January 12, 2024.
- Included 16 RCTs involving 2412 patients with open-angle glaucoma.
- Assessed study quality using Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (ROB2).
Main Results:
- At 26 weeks, combination SLT and medication significantly reduced IOP (SMD = 0.78).
- At 52 weeks, both SLT (SMD = 1.91) and medication (SMD = 1.70) significantly reduced IOP.
- SLT treatment significantly reduced the number of medications used (SMD = 0.78) at 6 months, unlike medication alone (SMD = -0.01).
- Quality of life was similar between groups.
Conclusions:
- Long-term IOP reduction is greater with SLT compared to medication.
- SLT treatment effectively reduces the need for glaucoma medications.
- SLT presents a viable alternative for managing open-angle glaucoma.
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