Selective laser trabeculoplasty, or SLT, is an FDA-approved laser procedure for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma. SLT is an advanced treatment option that lowers eye pressure and increases fluid drainage. It is minimally-invasive and uses low levels of energy to selectively pinpoint the areas of the trabecular meshwork, relieving the symptoms of glaucoma. If needed, the procedure can be repeated several times without causing damage to surrounding tissue.
Advantages of SLT for Glaucoma
Performed as an in-office procedure, SLT takes just a few minutes yet provides long-term results. Other advantages of the SLT procedure include:
- Selective targeting of areas within the trabecular meshwork
- Minimal damage to surrounding tissue
- Reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) by about 30 percent
- Minimal side effects
- Procedure can be repeated
SLT controls glaucoma symptoms for up to 5 years with no need for additional medication, and relieves symptoms by promoting the body's natural healing response. There are no major risks or complications associated with SLT and the procedure is covered by most major insurance companies.
Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI)
In angle closure or narrow angle glaucoma, the iris physically obstructs the internal drain of the eye. This causes fluid build-up and intraocular pressure mounts.
When a patient has narrow angles, fluid cannot move through the pupil normally, due to excessive contact between the iris and lens. Fluid builds up behind the iris, pushing it forward, further narrowing the angle and leading to excessively high intraocular pressures in predisposed individuals. LPI is a procedure that can be used top treat narrow angles.
Laser peripheral iridotomy is generally recommended for patients with narrow angles, narrow angle glaucoma, or acute angle closure glaucoma. If a pupillary blockage occurs this procedure will be suggested. LPI can be used to lower the intraocular pressure as well as prevent another attack of angle closure glaucoma. If your physician determines that your angles are significantly narrow, putting you at risk for acute angle closure, laser peripheral iridotomy may be recommended.
Laser peripheral iridotomy treatment takes only a few minutes, is performed in the office or minor procedure room, is safe, and effective for most people. First, the eye is numbed and a lens is applied to the ocular surface to stabilize the eye and prevent unwanted movement. Next, laser energy is used to make a small opening in the iris. This small opening helps alter anatomy inside the eye to maintain a more open passageway to the drains of the eye. It’s important to understand that the drains in the eye and the passageway to them are different. It is possible to have poor flow through the drains of the eye as well as a narrow passageway to them. The purpose of this procedure is ensure that fluid made inside the eye may get to the drains in the eye.
