SLT Laser Therapy recommended for glaucoma and ocular hypertension

SLT Laser Therapy recommended for glaucoma and ocular hypertension

NICE has recommended offering selective laser therapy (SLT) to people diagnosed with glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

It said: “The recommended changes in clinical practice will reduce the number of patients needing eye drops and make savings for the NHS.”

The NICE recommendation aims to “reduce the use of eye drops and potentially decrease the need for some patients to undergo cataract or intraocular pressure-lowering surgery”.

Dr Paul Chrisp, director for the Centre for Guidelines at NICE, said: “Usually, eye drops are initially prescribed to lower the pressure in the eye. However, the evidence showed that first-line treatment with selective laser therapy is more cost-effective than eye drops.

“The guideline has been developed following a public consultation last year, and we are recommending that local healthcare services carrying out laser therapy should be providing their staff with training on the treatment. It is crucial that healthcare professionals discuss the benefits and risks with patients, family members and carers to agree on a treatment plan for each person.”

• Read the full press release.

Read the NICE guideline.