The first and only direct selective laser trabeculoplasty device (DSLT) has been launched to the American market.
Alcon’s Voyager DSLT, is a fully automated device that delivers 120 laser pulses without the need for a gonio lens as with manual SLT.1,2 It employs a Q‒switched, 3‒ns pulse width, frequency-doubled Nd: YAG laser of wavelength 532 nm and directs the 400‒μm diameter laser beam to the eye limbus region without any contact with the patient’s eye.
An image-processing algorithm automatically locates the target area on the limbus, which the operator or eye care professional (ECP) adjusts as necessary. After the operator confirms the limbus target, an eye-tracking algorithm tracks eye movement so that the laser pulses are delivered accurately to the targeted location on the limbus.
we’re able to broaden access to first-line SLT therapy and provide eye care professionals with crucial early intervention for their glaucoma patients
Voyager DSLT is controlled through an intuitive touchscreen, taking the slit lamp and manual gonio lens aiming out of the equation, and reducing the specialised training required with manual SLT.1 Precise delivery, powered by SureTrac eye-tracking technology, accurately and safely delivers laser pulses through the limbus to the trabecular meshwork, stimulating the eye’s natural healing response to improve aqueous outflow.1 A survey of 24 physicians who experienced a DSLT demo, found 96% agreed they would want to be offered first-line DSLT if they were patients.3
Broadening Access to First-Line SLT Therapy
While SLT is recognised as an effective first-line therapy,4-6 practical challenges, such as the duration of treatment and specialised training necessary to perform manual SLT, have limited its accessibility for many doctors and the patients who would otherwise benefit from it.2 But Dr Terry Kim, Chief Medical Officer and Head of Global Medical Safety, Alcon, said that with the Voyager DSLT, “we’re able to broaden access to first-line SLT therapy and provide eye care professionals with crucial early intervention for their glaucoma patients”.
Having used the Voyager DSLT since October of 2024, Dr Inder Paul Singh, President of The Eye Centers of Racine and Kenosha (Wisconsin) said his staff had embraced the technology and patients were “delighted by the efficiency, comfort level of the treatment, and overall experience”.
Data and Early Feedback
A randomised, controlled trial has shown that DSLT delivers effective intraocular pressure (IOP) control and has a strong safety profile with low risk of adverse events.2* The data and early feedback demonstrate:
• Nearly two out of three (62%) DSLT participants were medication-free at 12 months.3
• After six months, nearly all DSLT patients indicated they would recommend the treatment to a friend with glaucoma.3**
References
1. Voyager DSLT User Guide; 2024.
2. GLAUrious Study – Clinical Study Report (CSR). CA-RP-01-006, Rev. 01; 2022.
3. Alcon Data on File, 2024.
4. Gazzard G, Konstantakopoulou E, Garway-Heath D, et al. Laser in glaucoma and ocular hypertension (light) trial: Six-year results of primary selective laser trabeculoplasty versus eye drops for the treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension. ophthalmology. 2023;130(2):139-151. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2022.09.009.
5. Takusagawa HL, Hoguet A, Sit AJ, et al. Selective laser trabeculoplasty for the treatment of glaucoma. Ophthalmology. 2024;131(1):37-47. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2023.07.029.
6. European Glaucoma Society terminology and guidelines for glaucoma, 5th edition. Br J Ophthalmol. 2021;105(Suppl 1):1-169. doi:10.1136/bjophthalmol-2021-egsguidelines.
