Bill Harvey: Dynamite with a laser beam

There has been plenty of interest in the Lancet study published recently and to which I first referred last week.

To recap briefly, the LiGHT team based around Moorfields has published results that clearly demonstrate that not only is the SLT laser treatment for glaucoma as effective (if not more so) for lowering intraocular pressure than ongoing use of topical drugs, but the procedure is significantly more cost effective over the lifetime of a typical glaucoma or ocular hypertension patient (see page 25 for a comprehensive review of the technique and consideration of the implications of the new report).

Since last week, I have heard the views of several colleagues excited by the prospect of SLT superseding the use of drops where appropriate. Not only is this going to be better for the patient (have you ever met one who is happy using drops indefinitely?), but offers an opportunity for the profession.