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Micropulse Laser Trabeculoplasty (MLT)
Micropulse laser trabeculoplasty (MLT) provides the same IOP-lowering effects as argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) and selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) with less energy and inflammation than the earlier procedures. MLT uses a specific diode laser (IQ 810, Iridex) with a much longer pulse length than SLT, but the temperature rises slowly, because laser energy is delivered in short microbursts over an extended period of time (milliseconds versus nanoseconds for SLT). The micropulse helps to minimize the IOP spikes that can sometimes occur after a laser procedure.
Important note: This technology is still being evaluated by glaucoma treatment professionals. MLT appears promising as a new technology, but there is no long-term, or even moderate-term follow-up to determine safety and efficacy as compared to existing, proven laser treatments for glaucoma.
reviewed 9-4-08