Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, and managing intraocular pressure (IOP) is critical in slowing or preventing vision loss. While medications and traditional laser therapies are commonly used, a newer option is now available that offers a noninvasive approach with promising results.
In Santa Monica, California, board-certified ophthalmologist E. Joseph Nadji, MD, and our team provide expert care to patients with glaucoma. Our practice is now using the Voyager™ Direct Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (DSLT) system by Alcon, an FDA-cleared laser device designed to treat open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT).
DSLT is a laser procedure designed to reduce intraocular pressure by improving the outflow of fluid from the eye. It’s similar to selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), which has been used for years as a treatment option for glaucoma. However, Voyager DSLT introduces several key differences.
Unlike traditional SLT, which requires direct contact with the eye and manual laser targeting using a lens, DSLT uses a noncontact, automated system. The device delivers low-energy laser pulses through the limbus (the area where the cornea meets the sclera) without touching the eye. This process is guided by eye-tracking technology and is completed in just a few seconds.
The Voyager system features a fully automated, noncontact design that distinguishes it from traditional SLT treatments. Avoiding direct contact with the eye may reduce the need for anesthetic drops, minimize discomfort, and eliminate the use of specialized lenses. It also streamlines the procedure, making it potentially more accessible in a wider range of clinical settings.
Key benefits include:
Together, these advantages support a more efficient and comfortable patient and provider experience.
The DSLT procedure was evaluated in the GLAUrious clinical trial, which compared its effectiveness to traditional SLT. The results showed that DSLT was noninferior to SLT in lowering intraocular pressure at six months. Many participants also experienced a reduced need for glaucoma medications after the procedure.
The study reported no serious ocular adverse events, suggesting a favorable safety profile.
Organizations like the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the European Glaucoma Society have endorsed laser therapy, including SLT, as a possible first-line treatment for open-angle glaucoma. DSLT may offer another option for patients who:
As awareness of alternative therapies grows, DSLT may become an increasingly valuable tool in managing glaucoma more comfortably and consistently.
With the availability of DSLT, patients now have access to a newer, less invasive option for managing glaucoma. It’s not necessarily the right solution for everyone, but it offers an additional path for those exploring treatment beyond medications or traditional laser procedures.
If you’re living with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension and want to learn more about your options, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.
