Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
SLT is a laser procedure performed in rooms at Forest Eye Surgery. It lowers intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension. It may be used as initial treatment of glaucoma in patients who do not wish to take eye drop medications. It can also be used as additive treatment when eye drops do not lower the intraocular pressure enough or are causing significant side effects.
What happens in SLT?
A laser is directed in short, low energy pulses to the drainage angle (trabecular meshwork) of the eye. This triggers a useful healing response which remodels the drainage tissue. The result is improved flow of the aqueous fluid and lowering of the intraocular pressure.
SLT only takes a few minutes to complete and requires no preparation other than eye drops to temporarily constrict the pupil.
Most patients do not feel any discomfort during the procedure. After the procedure, there may be a mild and short-lived eye ache, but normal activities (including driving) can be resumed immediately.
How long do the results last and what are the side effects?
SLT has fewer side effects compared to eye drops. When used as initial therapy, SLT lowers the eye pressure by about 25%. The beneficial effect of SLT wears off gradually over 5 years but can be safely repeated.
If SLT does not lower the intraocular pressure sufficiently, other forms of treatment including medication eye drops, or surgery (e.g. MIGS) can still be used. Having prior SLT does not affect the success of other types of treatment.
Want to know more?
If you require a glaucoma assessment or want more information about SLT, feel free to contact us by one of the methods below.
Enquire today:
Unit 11, Building 7
49 Frenchs Forest Rd East
Frenchs Forest NSW 2086
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