“The DSLT is the newest iteration of SLT. The DSLT has similar results in eye pressure reduction, but the laser is automated, non‑contact, and takes 2.5 seconds to deliver the treatment.” – Dr. Christine Funke.
Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight”—it steals vision so gradually that most people don’t notice until irreversible damage has occurred. At Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center, our glaucoma specialist, Dr. Christine Funke, is harnessing breakthrough diagnostics and low‑risk therapies, including DSLT glaucoma treatment, to catch and halt this disease earlier than ever. Here’s how these life‑changing advances can safeguard your vision.
What Is DSLT?
DSLT stands for Direct Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, a non-invasive, automated laser treatment designed to lower IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Unlike conventional SLT (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty), which uses a contact lens on the eye to target the drainage angle with a slit lamp, DSLT uses a completely non-contact, image-guided laser system.
The most well-known DSLT platform is Elios by BELKIN Vision. It uses advanced imaging and tracking to deliver precise laser energy directly through the outer eye without entering the eye or touching its surface. It’s fast, safe, and requires no patient prep or recovery time.
The In-Office Procedure: What to Expect
One of the standout features of DSLT is how simple and patient-friendly the procedure is:
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No eye drops or injections required
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No contact with the eye surface
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No need for sedation or recovery time
The treatment takes just a few seconds per eye. Patients sit at the machine as the automated laser aligns with the eye, identifies the trabecular meshwork (the drainage area), and delivers targeted laser pulses. The entire visit can be completed in under 10 minutes.
Who’s a Candidate for DSLT?
DSLT is designed for patients with:
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Mild to moderate primary open-angle glaucoma
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Ocular hypertension (elevated eye pressure without optic nerve damage)
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Difficulty adhering to daily eye drop regimens
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A desire for drop-free or low-medication management
It is not suitable for individuals with angle-closure glaucoma or certain anatomical conditions where the drainage angle is blocked or too narrow.
If you’re unsure of your glaucoma type or treatment suitability, your eye care provider can perform an exam to determine if DSLT is a good fit.
Side Effects and Safety
Because DSLT is non-contact and non-invasive, it significantly reduces the risks associated with traditional laser or surgical procedures. Most patients experience little to no discomfort.
Reported side effects are rare but may include:
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Mild eye irritation or redness
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Temporary elevation in IOP (usually resolves quickly)
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Minimal inflammation (treated with short-term drops if needed)
No incisions, no anesthesia, and no downtime make it one of the safest options currently available for managing glaucoma non-surgically.
How Effective Is DSLT?
Studies show that DSLT offers comparable IOP-lowering results to traditional SLT. Clinical trials have demonstrated:
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Up to 25–30% reduction in intraocular pressure
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A significant percentage of patients achieve the target IOP without the need for daily drops
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Sustained results lasting up to 2–3 years in many cases
And because DSLT can be repeated, it offers a long-term strategy for managing glaucoma progression with fewer medications and office visits.
Take Control of Your Vision Today
Don’t let glaucoma rob you of another moment. With early diagnosis and breakthrough laser therapies like DSLT glaucoma treatment, you can stop its advance in its tracks—and preserve the clear vision you deserve. Schedule a comprehensive exam today!