SLT – Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) has become increasingly popular as an early step in the treatment of open-angle glaucoma. SLT uses short pulses of low energy laser light to target melanin-containing cells in a network of tiny channels, called the trabecular meshwork. The objective of the surgery is to help fluids drain out of the eye, reducing intra-ocular pressure that can cause damage to the optic nerve and loss of vision. By treating the eye with laser early on, it is often possible to avoid multiple eye drop medications which are expensive and can have negative effects on the ocular surface.
Although your doctor may suggest laser surgery, there is no guarantee that it will allow you to stop all medications. The eye pressure and health of the optic nerve will all be considered, and the appropriate combination of laser and drops will be prescribed. It is important to understand that SLT laser does not work on every patient.
SLT is for those:
- who have been diagnosed with glaucoma
- whose doctor has determined that SLT is appropriate for controlling their intra-ocular pressure
What to expect on procedure day:
Your treatment will be performed in a specially equipped laser room in the Omni office. It does not require a surgery center. Once you have been examined, drops will be used to numb your eye and the laser will be performed.
Your doctor will hold up a special lens to your eye as a beam of light is aimed at the lens and reflected onto the meshwork inside your eye. You may see flashes of bright light but you won’t feel anything. The laser will selectively target melanin-containing cells, resulting in increased fluid outflow. You will not feel any pain during the procedure. It takes 5-10 minutes to perform per eye.
There are no restrictions after the laser is performed. Follow-up visits are necessary to monitor your eye pressure. While it may take a few weeks or months to see the full pressure-lowering effect of this procedure, during which time you may have to continue taking your medication, many patients are eventually able to discontinue at least some of their medications.
Realistic expectations:
The effect of the surgery may wear off over time. Serious complications with SLT are extremely rare, but like any procedure, it does have some risks. Going to a specialist like Dr. Yadgarov who has years of experience doing SLT can minimize the risks.
If you and your doctor decide that SLT is an option for you, you will be given additional information about the procedure that will allow you to make an informed decision about whether to proceed. Be sure you have all your questions answered to your satisfaction. If you would like more information about this procedure you can contact the office for additional information.