Perhaps the biggest risk of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is that the procedure may not work to reduce intraocular pressure to a significant degree. Because the energy used in SLT is much less than in other laser procedures and widespread...

cellular destruction is not the goal, the effect may not be as great as desired. Some people may need to continue to take eye drops for intraocular pressure even after selective laser trabeculoplasty. Most people enjoy a reduction in their eye drop use after the procedure, however.

 

Inflammation is quite common after the procedure. Since melanin-containing cells are selectively targeted and stimulated, there is an inflammatory response, almost by design. Thus mild anterior uveitis can occur temporarily.

While most people report relatively painless procedures, others report eye discomfort and pain for a few days after the procedure. This may be due in part to the laser treatment itself but also to a transient increase in pressure within the eye.