WHAT IS SELECTIVE LASER TRABECULOPLASTY?
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a revolutionary laser treatment for glaucoma.
Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness among the elderly population in the United States. Glaucoma occurs when pressure builds in the eye. A liquid called aqueous humor constantly flows through the eye and through a drainage system. When the drainage system becomes blocked, aqueous humor builds up and puts pressure on the optic nerve. If too much pressure builds on the optic nerve, vision loss can occur.
In traditional glaucoma treatments, eye drops or other medications are used to lower intraocular pressure by increasing drainage from the eye or by decreasing fluid production.
With SLT, a specially designed laser is used to apply short pulses of low energy to stimulate and rejuvenate the body’s own tissue and cells to increase eye drainage and lower pressure.
THE BENEFITS OF SLT
SLT can increase the quality of life for patients and can decrease the chance of blindness for patients who have been diagnosed with glaucoma.
The SLT procedure is safer than any known medication for glaucoma treatment. It is a more natural treatment that does not require damaging procedures or expensive medications. The only possible side effect of SLT is temporary irritation and a temporary increase in ocular pressure.
SLT may allow many patients to discontinue or reduce other therapy.
Plus, the procedure is fast and painless. The actual treatment lasts for approximately five minutes and requires another pressure check one hour afterward. No dilation is required, and the procedure is performed in-office.
SLT is also covered by most commercial insurance plans, Medicare and Medicaid.
ARE YOU A CANDIDATE FOR SLT?
If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma and you would like more information about alternative treatments, then you may be a candidate for SLT. To learn more, schedule an appointment at Carolina Vision Center. We will perform a thorough examination of your eyes and determine the best method of glaucoma treatment for you. Call (910) 485-3937 to make an appointment.