Glaucoma management
Up until recently, glaucoma was treated by lowering the pressure within the eye using eyedrops.
Pressure needs to be lowered even if it is not elevated such as in the case of Normal Pressure Glaucoma (NTG).
Recently, new technology called Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) has revolutionised the treatment of glaucoma. Using SLT, in many cases, pressure can be lowered with a single treatment and no further need for eyedrops.
Some patients may still need drops but SLT can still help to minimise their need
Up until recently, glaucoma was treated by lowering the pressure within the eye using eyedrops.
Pressure needs to be lowered even if it is not elevated such as in the case of Normal Pressure Glaucoma (NTG).
Recently, new technology called Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) has revolutionised the treatment of glaucoma. Using SLT, in many cases, pressure can be lowered with a single treatment and no further need for eyedrops.
Some patients may still need drops but SLT can still help to minimise their need
SLT
Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is performed using an ND:YAG laser. It produces a high-energy light beam that turns into heat when it hits the trabecular meshwork which is the drain in the eye. The heat does not make a hole in the trabecular meshwork but instead, SLT results in a biological response that causes very tiny areas of the trabecular meshwork to shrink, allowing the aqueous fluid to drain more effectively.
SLT has a number of advantages over other glaucoma treatments, including:
Candidates for SLT
It is important to understand that selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) does not work for everyone, but for some patients, SLT glaucoma laser treatment has been a very effective way to treat open angle glaucoma.
Benefits of SLT
Unlike its precursor, argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT), SLT does not cause any scarring of the trabecular network and therefore, is a repeatable procedure. This option has a number of other benefits as well, including:
Risks of SLT
As with any surgery, complications can occur during SLT but are not common. Some possible complications include irritation, inflammation, and rarely, worsening of the glaucoma. The most common side effect of SLT is an increase in intraocular pressure for a few hours following the treatment.
Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is performed using an ND:YAG laser. It produces a high-energy light beam that turns into heat when it hits the trabecular meshwork which is the drain in the eye. The heat does not make a hole in the trabecular meshwork but instead, SLT results in a biological response that causes very tiny areas of the trabecular meshwork to shrink, allowing the aqueous fluid to drain more effectively.
SLT has a number of advantages over other glaucoma treatments, including:
- successfully lowers intraocular pressure in about four out of five cases
- treatment is painless or nearly painless for most patients, and is usually complete in about five minutes
- conservative approach that causes no burning or scarring of the trabecular meshwork
- repeatable with minimal risk
Candidates for SLT
It is important to understand that selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) does not work for everyone, but for some patients, SLT glaucoma laser treatment has been a very effective way to treat open angle glaucoma.
Benefits of SLT
Unlike its precursor, argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT), SLT does not cause any scarring of the trabecular network and therefore, is a repeatable procedure. This option has a number of other benefits as well, including:
- safest glaucoma laser treatment available
- effectively treats glaucoma and prevents future vision loss in the vast majority of patients
- reduces or eliminates the need for glaucoma medication in many patients
- extremely fast and precise treatment option
- minimal or no discomfort experienced during the procedure
- repeatable with minimal risk
Risks of SLT
As with any surgery, complications can occur during SLT but are not common. Some possible complications include irritation, inflammation, and rarely, worsening of the glaucoma. The most common side effect of SLT is an increase in intraocular pressure for a few hours following the treatment.
SLT