What is SLT?
SLT is a laser treatment used to treat open-angle glaucoma. It works by applying laser energy to the trabecular meshwork of the eye’s drainage angle to improve fluid flow and lower intraocular pressure.
Maintaining healthy intraocular pressure is essential for glaucoma treatment, as elevated eye pressure can cause permanent optic nerve damage and irreversible vision loss. Treatments like SLT allow your eye doctor to reduce eye pressure before significant vision loss occurs.
This laser selectively targets pigmented tissues within the trabecular meshwork, triggering chemical and biological changes that lead to better drainage without affecting other parts of the eye. The results of SLT typically last 1 to 5 years.
While this procedure may be used in conjunction with prescription eye drops, SLT can reduce and even eliminate your dependence on glaucoma medications.
What to Expect During SLT
Before beginning SLT, your eye doctor will apply anesthetic drops to numb your eye, ensuring your comfort throughout the procedure. Then, they’ll place a special contact lens and gel on your eye to help direct the laser.
Once your eye is prepared, they will direct the laser towards your eye and begin treatment. You can expect to hear the laser click and feel a mild tingling sensation, but it will not be painful.
The entire process takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Your eye doctor will remove the contact lens and monitor you for a short period of time in our recovery area before clearing you to return home and rest.
You should organize for someone to drive you home from this appointment, as your vision may be temporarily blurred. Although temporary, you may also experience inflammation, which can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers or eye drops.
Most patients can return to daily activities after 1 to 2 days of recovery, with eye pressure gradually lowering over the following 1 to 3 months.
Who is a Good Candidate for SLT?
You may be a good candidate for SLT if you have primary or secondary open-angle glaucoma and want to reduce your eye pressure to prevent future vision loss. While some still need prescription eye drops after treatment, many patients enjoy freedom from glaucoma medications for many years.
This makes SLT an excellent choice for patients who struggle to stick to eye drop schedules or experience unwanted side effects from glaucoma medications. Although the procedure cannot permanently lower intraocular pressure, the minimally invasive nature of SLT allows repeat treatments to maintain your results.
Why Choose Mile High Eye Institute for Glaucoma Care?
The glaucoma specialists at Mile High Eye Institute have extensive experience diagnosing, treating, and monitoring glaucoma patients. We are dedicated to staying up to date with the latest technologies, such as SLT, to offer patients easier, quicker, and more effective ways to keep their eyes healthy and vision clear.
Are you interested in learning more about SLT for glaucoma? Schedule an appointment at one of our convenient locations in Sheridan, Aurora, Broomfield, Castle Rock, Frisco, Goodland, Lakewood, and Vail, CO, today!
