Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty. It’s a big word, but here’s a primer to keep you informed on the latest technologies used to treat eye conditions by SNEAD EYE GROUP physicians.
You may have heard Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty referred to as SLT, a form of laser surgery used to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma patients. SLT is used when eye drop medications are not lowering pressure enough,drops are causing significant side effects, or patient compliance is an issue, such as forgetting to take medications or they are experiencing problems using eye drops.
With SLT, laser energy is applied to the drainage tissue in the eye. This starts a chemical and biological change that results in better drainage of fluid through the drain and out of the eye. This results in lowering of IOP.
The effects of SLT will generally last between 1-5 years and since the procedure is an accepted glaucoma treatment, and is FDA approved, it is covered by Medicare and medical insurance.
Some patients IOP can be controlled with just laser treatment. Others require additional lowering and may need to use glaucoma medication as well. Think of the SLT as equivalent to one glaucoma medication. Just as some patients will require more than one glaucoma medication to control their IOP, some may also require laser plus one or more glaucoma medications.
SLT is not a cure for glaucoma, just as medication and surgery are not. Whatever method is used to treat glaucoma, appropriate follow up and testing with a SNEAD EYE GROUP professional is critical. If you’re wondering if SLT may help you, call us today!