Direct vs Standard SLT for Glaucoma: A Noninferiority Trial

This study compares two FDA-approved laser treatments for glaucoma: Direct Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (DSLT) and Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT). Both procedures aim to lower eye pressure and prevent vision loss. DSLT is a newer, non-contact technique that may improve comfort and efficiency. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either DSLT or SLT and followed for 12 months to assess eye pressure, safety, and treatment outcomes.

Recruiting

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Key information

Conditions

Open-angle Glaucoma (OAG) Eye Diseases Glaucoma Glaucoma, Open-Angle Ocular Hypertension Ocular Hypertension (OHT)

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

MUSC

Charleston, South Carolina, 29407, United States

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Jella An, MD, MBA

CONTACT

[email protected]

843-792-1443

Jella An, MD, MBA

PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Age ≥18 years
Diagnosis of OAG (including exfoliative or pigmentary) or OHT
Gonioscopically open angle (visible scleral spur 360°)
Ability to consent and comply with follow-up

Exclusion criteria

Angle-closure or secondary glaucomas
IOP >35 mmHg despite therapy
Corneal pathology interfering with laser or IOP measurement
Recent ocular surgery (<6 months)
Contraindications to study medications or procedures
Cognitive impairment preventing consent

Treatment and study plan

Direct selective laser trabeculoplasty

Device

The Direct Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty is a non-contact laser designed to manage IOP in patients with glaucoma. The traditional SLT required a gonioscopy lens to be placed over the patient's eyes to direct the laser towards the trabecular meshwork.

Primary outcomes

Change in Intraocular Pressure at 12 months from baseline

Time frame: 12 months

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Medical University of South Carolina

Other

Registry information

Official study title

A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Direct Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (DSLT) and Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) in Reducing Intraocular Pressure in Open-Angle Glaucoma

Important dates

Study start: 2026
Primary completion: 2027
Study completion: 2027
First posted: Feb 13, 2026
Registry last updated: May 6, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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Completed