How does selective laser trabeculoplasty work

Savak Teymoorian, M. Brian Kim, M. Jeffrey Jacobs, M. Sonia Dhoot, M. Behnaz Rouhani, M. Ye Elaine Wang, M. Satvinder Gujral, M. Nicoletta Stefanidis, O. Karen Skvarna, O. Mark Levy, O. Seiju Terada, O. Isabell Choi, O. How does it work? By comparison, SLT has an improved safety profile where complications are typically infrequent, mild and short-lived. Due to its excellent benefit-to-risk profile, SLT is being offered earlier in the treatment strategy of glaucoma, including as primary therapy.

Studies comparing SLT and eye drops as primary therapy have found similar treatment effects between the two groups. Although some patients still required eye drops following SLT, they required fewer drops to control their glaucoma. In addition, there were significant cost savings for those getting SLT.

Many patients have difficulty with their eye drops. It is estimated that less than half of patients use their medications as regularly as directed. Medication costs, side effects, allergies, forgetfulness and complicated eye drop schedules contribute to this problem. As a result, there is a strong case for SLT as primary therapy for many new glaucoma patients. Glaucoma treatment is individualized for each patient, and SLT is not effective for all types of glaucoma.

It is important to discuss your options with your eye care provider. Article by Cindy X. Jay Katz, MD. This article appeared in the September issue of Gleams. Was this helpful? This is usually controlled with glaucoma medications. 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. PRO, MD. Your treatment will be performed in a specially equipped laser room in the clinic. 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. At the end of the laser treatment, the lens will be removed from the eye. The gel may remain on your eye for up to an hour, leading to blurred vision or a feeling of heaviness.

As a safety measure, your eye pressure will be checked sometime after your procedure. Depending on the type and severity of your glaucoma you will be seen weeks after the laser.

Your doctor may ask you to use an anti-inflammatory eye drop in the treated eye for several days. Can I stop my glaucoma drops after the laser procedure? Your doctor will tell you which drops to continue using and how often after the laser procedure. Sometimes patients are able to reduce the number of eye drops they are taking. Even if you are taking the same glaucoma medications after the procedure, the surgery is a success if your pressure is lower. The need for eye drops long-term after this treatment varies greatly and depends on your type of glaucoma and the rate at which it is progressing.

This laser is for lowering the eye pressure and will not improve your vision. American Academy of Ophthalmology patient information website.