Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty or SLT, is a special type of laser treatment that helps to reduce the pressure inside the eye. By lowering the intraocular pressure it can help in the control and treatment of glaucoma.
The treatment uses light energy, to stimulate a natural healing response in the targeted cells. This process improves the flow of fluid out of the eye and helps to lower the pressure. The treatment is normally painless with minimal side-effects.
The treatment is effective in 85% of patients and on average reduces the pressure by approximately 25%. A significant number of patients can avoid using topical drops. Those that still require topical drops will often use drops less frequently or drops of lower concentration helping to minimise side effects. The treatment is usually effective for a number of years and can be repeated if necessary.
Treatment procedure
- Your doctor will place a combination of anaesthetic and pupil constricting drops into the eye to be treated. After approximately 10 to 15 minutes, the laser is administered using a special microscope and lens. The laser procedure takes approximately a minute or two.
- It is very important to continue using your glaucoma medication if you are already administering drops even after the laser has been performed.
- It is usually best to have a driver after the procedure.
- After the treatment cycle has been completed, a follow up appointment with Dr Singh will be scheduled for approximately 3-4 months after the last laser treatment. Please continue using your glaucoma drops until instructed otherwise.
