Photo-Regeneration Laser Treats Glaucoma Patients

By HospiMedica International staff writers
Posted on 27 Aug 2013
An innovative selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) glaucoma laser adapts to an ophthalmologists current slit lamp, eliminating the need for dedicated space and lowering end-user cost.

The Solutis SLT glaucoma laser is intended for primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) diagnosed with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) due to the lack of functionality in the trabecular meshwork. The device is based on Q-Switched frequency doubled nd:YAG technology, which provides a large spot size and an extremely short pulse duration. The 532 nm laser targets and is absorbed by melanin-rich cells to induce a healing response, restoring functionality of the trabecular meshwork, and reducing and maintaining IOP. The energy absorption is limited, avoiding any thermal spread to the adjacent tissue.

Image: The Solutis SLT opthalmic laser (Photo courtesy of Quantel Medical).

SLT is considered an effective first-line and adjunct therapy option for reducing IOP in glaucoma patients. Due to the laser energy's gentle application, the treatment is repeatable, and is not associated with the ocular and systemic side effects, or compliance issues commonly linked to glaucoma drugs. Since treatment parameters are fixed, visible or sub-visible thermal damage that occurs with Argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT), pattern scan lasers (PLT) or micropulse lasers (MLT) is avoided. The Solutis SLT is a product of Quantel Medical (Clermont-Ferrand, France) and has been approved by the US Food and Drug administration (FDA).

“Solutis has proven to be an attractive laser solution worldwide, and we are proud to now offer this laser alongside our robust line of multispot and YAG lasers,” said Jean-Marc Gendre, CEO of Quantel Medical. “Our laser product line is uniquely designed to create combination systems, allowing for multiple laser applications in a single configuration, meeting the specific needs of each ophthalmology practice.”

Laser trabeculoplasty for glaucoma uses a tightly focused beam of light to treat the drainage angle of the eye, making it easier for fluid to flow out of the front part of the eye, decreasing IOP. It is less effective in people who have inflammatory glaucoma and in young people who have developmental defects, and is contraindicated in patients who have closed-angle glaucoma.

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