Alcon, a company specializing in eye care, today announced the full U.S. commercial availability of Voyager DSLT, a Direct Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty device (DSLT), a fully automated treatment for glaucoma and ocular hypertension. It delivers 120 laser pulses without the need for a gonio lens as with manual SLT.
“I have been using Voyager DSLT since October of 2024, and it has made an incredible impact on the use of SLT for my practice,” said Inder Paul Singh, MD, President of The Eye Centers of Racine and Kenosha. “My patients have been delighted by the efficiency, comfort level of the treatment, and overall experience. Voyager DSLT has been embraced by my staff and is easy to implement, allowing me to treat more of my patients with a recognized first-line standard in glaucoma treatment.”
Glaucoma is a progressive disease that impacts millions of people around the world. In the U.S. alone, the number of glaucoma patients is expected to grow from 5 million to 6.3 million by 2050. Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness globally, with many unaware that they have glaucoma until the disease has progressed to vision loss. Due to its progressive nature, early intervention and a variety of treatment options—from drops to surgical intervention—is critical to preserve sight.
Notable medical societies, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology and others from around the world, recognize SLT as an effective first-line therapy. However, practical challenges, such as the duration of treatment and specialized training necessary to perform manual SLT, have limited its accessibility for many doctors and the patients who would otherwise benefit from it.
“Alcon is dedicated to developing treatments and technologies for people living with glaucoma,” said Terry Kim, MD, Chief Medical Officer and Head of Global Medical Safety, Alcon. “By introducing 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.”
Voyager DSLT is controlled through a touchscreen, taking the slit lamp and manual gonio lens aiming out of the equation, and reduces the specialized training required with manual SLT. Voyager DSLT offers precise delivery, powered by SureTrac eye-tracking technology, to accurately and safely deliver laser pulses through the limbus to the trabecular meshwork, stimulating the eye's natural healing response to improve aqueous outflow.
