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Balikesir University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Balikesir/TURKEY Argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) has been used for many years in the treatment of primary and secondary glaucoma as mainstay therapy and in combination with antiglaucomatous medications. Side effects such as uveitis, peripheric anterior synechiae, as well as a decrease in effectivity over time together with the event of newer and more effective agents has led to a decrease in ALT usage. Selective Laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) was first described in 1995. SLT requires significantly lower energy levels. In studies of the histology of ALT patients cells showed significant necrosis and disintegration of the trabecular network due to coagulative injury whereas in histological cross section of SLT no such changes were recorded. Due to its cost effectiveness, minimum side effects and in patients with compliance issues SLT can be used as first line treatment or in combination with medical agents in the treatment of primary open angle glaucoma. It should be kept in mind that there is a decrease in effectivity over time. Keywords : Argon laser trabeculoplasty, Selective laser trabeculoplasty