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SLT
Laser Treatment for Glaucoma |
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About Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a degenerative disease that if left
untreated can cause permanent damage to the
optic nerve, resulting in gradual vision loss
and eventual blindness. Damage to the optic
nerve due to glaucoma is usually caused by an
elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Clear fluid,
called aqueous humor, circulates through the
eye to provide nourishment to the tissue and
applies pressure to help maintain the shape
of the eye.
Open-angle glaucoma occurs when there is an
increase in fluid production or a decrease in
fluid drainage, destroying optic nerve fibers
and gradually causing peripheral (side) vision
loss. Aqueous humor flows out of the eye through
the trabecular meshwork near the edge of the
iris. If the trabecular meshwork is blocked,
restricting drainage, the pressure inside the
eye increases.
Vision loss from glaucoma is permanent, but
can be prevented with early detection and treatment.
Glaucoma management is usually a lifelong process
that requires frequent monitoring and constant
treatment. Since there is no way to determine
if glaucoma is under control based on how a
person feels, doctor visits should be on a regular
basis.
 

Treatment of Glaucoma
Treatment concentrates on lowering the pressure
inside the eye to prevent optic nerve damage.
Eye drops are most commonly used to control
glaucoma, however, they can be very expensive,
have unwanted side effects, and may need to
be taken for the rest of your life. If non-surgical
methods fail to decrease pressure, surgery may
be required. The SLT does not rely on medicines,
but uses an advanced laser system to target
specific cells of the eye, leaving surrounding
tissue intact. As a result, your body’s own
healing response helps lower the pressure inside
the eye. SLT therapy is reimbursed by Medicare
and other insurance providers, which minimizes
your out-of-pocket expenses.

How SLT Works
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is an
advancement over other lasers that have been
used safely and effectively in the treatment
of glaucoma for over two decades. SLT uses a
special wavelength and energy to affect only
pigmented (melanin containing) cells in the
trabecular meshwork at the boundary of the iris,
improving the flow of fluid in the eye and reducing
pressure.
SLT is usually performed in the doctor’s
office and only takes a few minutes. Prior to
the procedure, eye drops will be given to prepare
the eye for treatment. The laser applications
are applied through a special microscope similar
to the ones used for eye exams. A lens is placed
over the eye to direct the light to the trabecular
meshwork.
Your eye pressure may drop as quickly as
a day or more after having SLT performed.
Your doctor may treat the eye with an anti-inflammatory
eye drop that will be continued after the
procedure. You will need to return for follow-up
visits.
Generally, the laser treatment does not cause
pain, though some patients experience a sensation
during treatment. You may see a green flash
of light but feel nothing from the laser.
The lens used on your eye may cause some redness
or irritation. Unlike some glaucoma medicines,
there are no incidences of allergy or systemic
side effects with SLT. Complications are minimal
but may include inflammation, temporary increase
in eye pressure, blurred vision, headache,
iritis, corneal edema, corneal lesion, conjunctivitis,
or eye pain. Because each individual reacts
differently to SLT, you may need to continue
using eyedrops following the SLT procedure.
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