SLT

What is SLT?

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a laser procedure performed in the office to lower eye pressure.

How does SLT work?

Laser energy is applied to the trabecular meshwork. The trabecular meshwork is located in the front of the eye and is the natural drain for fluid. SLT stimulates the trabecular meshwork to increase the amount of fluid drained from within the eye, which lowers eye pressure. It may take up to 2 months for the laser to take its full effect.

Who needs SLT?

Patients with open-angle glaucoma who need improvement in eye pressure control. This can be used alone or as an addition to eye drops.

What are the benefits?

On average, SLT can lower the eye pressure by about 20-30%. The laser is effective in lowering eye pressure in about 80% of patients. The laser effect wears off after several years, but the trabecular meshwork can be stimulated again with repeat laser. SLT does not affect the success rates or the eligibility of getting other medical or surgical treatments.

What are the risks?

Compared to many other treatments for glaucoma, including eye drops, other laser treatments and surgery, SLT has few side effects. Inflammation is possible after the laser but it is not common. You may be prescribed anti-inflammatory drops on an individual basis. There is a small risk of temporary high eye pressures shortly following the laser treatment. This is usually controlled with glaucoma medications.

Will SLT cure my glaucoma?

The simple answer is “No”. Glaucoma is a chronic disease that requires constant monitoring and treatment. The SLT procedure will help to lower your eye pressure. However, it will not reverse any loss of vision that has already occurred.

What happens during the SLT?

Once you have been checked in, drops will be used to numb your eye and check the pressure. No injections or needles will be used.

  • First, you will receive an eye drop called apraclonidine, which helps prevent a rise in the eye pressure after the procedure. Then a drop of anesthetic will be applied to numb the eye.
  • Your doctor will place a special lens on your eye to help focus the laser on the trabecular meshwork. This lens also prevents your eye from blinking and keeps the eye still during the treatment. A clear gel is placed between the eye and the lens to protect the surface of your eye.
  • You will then hear a series of clicks and may see flashes of light as the laser treats your eye. There is virtually no pain with the procedure. You will feel the lens slowly rotating on the surface of the eye as the doctor treats various parts of the trabecular meshwork. The procedure generally takes 5-10 minutes.

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