The treatment of glaucoma is undergoing a transformation. Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) has been established as an effective and safe alternative treatment, backed by high-impact international studies and increasingly applied in clinical practice¹.

In Brazil, the challenge goes beyond efficacy: it is necessary to reconcile quality research on the treatment as well as its clinical applicability and viability within the Unified Health System (SUS). Considering its characteristics, SLT can expand access to public glaucoma programs by facilitating adherence and generating savings^2,3.

This special edition aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the subject, by bringing together

• Clinical practice, with real-world experiences and applicable tips;

• Scientific evidence, with reviews of studies that support treatment use;

• Public health, with cost-effectiveness analyses and prospects for implementation;

• Future directions, with discussions on the role of SLT alongside new technologies such as MIGS.

With the contribution of colleagues from various regions, we hope to build a practical and critical reference for ophthalmologists from all over Brazil and encourage reflection on and advancements in the care of patients with glaucoma (Infographic).

REFERENCES

1. Gazzard G, Konstantakopoulou E, Garway-Heath D, Adekele M, Vickerstaff V, Ambler G, Hunter R, Bunce C, Nathwani N, Barton; LiGHT Trial Study Group. 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.

2. Barbosa LEO, Barboza WL, Guedes RP, Pereira CR, Susanna Rj Jr, Hatanaka M. Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty as a Substitute for Medications in Patients with Mild-to-moderate Glaucoma in the Brazilian Public Health System. J Glaucoma. 2024;33(5):303-309.

3. Barbosa LEO, Barboza WL, Guedes RAP, Chaoubah A, Hatanaka M. Cost-effectiveness of selective laser trabeculoplasty as a replacement for hypotensive eye drops in the Brazilian public health system. Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2025 Apr 23:80:100650.

AUTHOR’S INFORMATION
	»Leopoldo Ernesto Oiticica Barbosa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6112-8409 http://lattes.cnpq.br/3386099226524481
	»Wilma Lelis Barboza https://orcid.org/0009-0002-4756-9723 http://lattes.cnpq.br/7647287686911668
	»Fernanda Belga Ottoni Porto https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4308-1766 http://lattes.cnpq.br/3705547122177092

Received on: December 8, 2025.
Accepted on: January 10, 2026.