COAST: Finding the best way to use SLT laser therapy for glaucoma
Official title: Clarifying the Optimal Application of SLT Therapy (COAST) Trial
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11537517 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This NIH grant tests a gentler, ongoing laser treatment approach to help people with mild to moderate glaucoma or high-risk eye pressure stay in control longer without daily eye drops or surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2020 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $35,880 |
| NIH project number | 3UG1EY031651-06S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11537517 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with newly diagnosed mild-to-moderate primary open-angle glaucoma or high-risk ocular hypertension.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with severe glaucoma or contraindications to SLT may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
The project builds on a landmark trial that showed laser therapy can be more effective than medications for some glaucoma patients. It asks whether a lower-energy SLT given as a maintenance treatment each year can prolong eye pressure control better than standard energy SLT given only as needed. The study uses a rigorous comparison to determine if maintenance SLT can extend benefits and reduce dependence on meds or surgeries. If successful, this could simplify long-term glaucoma management for many patients. The research is conducted at the University of Pittsburgh with a dedicated team led by Dr. Stephen R. Wisniewski.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could achieve longer-lasting glaucoma control with fewer medications and fewer surgeries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous LiGHT trial showed SLT can outperform meds in certain patients, supporting exploration of optimized SLT strategies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wisniewski, Stephen R — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Wisniewski, Stephen R
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.