Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT): A Patient Guide
Understanding Glaucoma and SLT
This section explains what glaucoma is and how SLT serves as a key treatment option to protect your vision from damage caused by high eye pressure.
Glaucoma is a disease that damages the eye's optic nerve, often caused by high fluid pressure inside the eye. If left untreated, this pressure can lead to irreversible vision loss, starting with peripheral vision and eventually affecting your central sight.
SLT is a type of laser therapy that enhances your eye's natural drainage system to lower internal pressure. It uses short, gentle pulses of low-energy light to target specific cells in the eye's drainage area, leaving surrounding tissues unharmed and avoiding the formation of scar tissue.
SLT is used to lower intraocular pressure, or IOP, and reduce the risk of optic nerve damage. Our ophthalmologists often recommend it as a first-line treatment, as an alternative for those who have trouble with eye drops, or as an additional measure to control pressure when medications alone are not sufficient.
No, SLT has been an FDA-approved treatment for over two decades and is considered a very safe and established procedure. It evolved from an older laser treatment called Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty, or ALT, but is gentler on the eye and can be repeated if needed.
Who Is a Good Candidate for SLT?
SLT is a versatile treatment, but it is most effective for patients with specific types of glaucoma or high eye pressure. Our ophthalmologists will determine if it is the right choice for you during a comprehensive eye examination.
This is the most common form of glaucoma and the primary indication for SLT. It is caused by the slow clogging of the eye's drainage canals, and SLT works well to improve fluid outflow and reduce pressure.
Individuals with high eye pressure but no optic nerve damage yet may be offered SLT as a preventive measure to delay or prevent the onset of glaucoma and protect their long-term vision.
SLT is an excellent option for those who find a daily eye drop routine challenging due to side effects, cost, difficulty administering the drops correctly, or simply the inconvenience of daily medication.
SLT is not suitable for everyone. It is generally not recommended for patients with angle-closure glaucoma, significant scarring in the drainage angle, active inflammation in the eye, or certain other eye conditions that our ophthalmologists will assess during your evaluation.
How SLT Works to Lower Eye Pressure
The procedure uses advanced laser technology to trigger a natural healing response within the eye, improving its ability to drain fluid and thereby lowering pressure without causing damage.
Using a special lens, the laser is precisely aimed at the trabecular meshwork, which is the eye's natural drainage structure. This area is responsible for filtering and draining fluid from the eye to maintain healthy pressure levels.
The laser applies low-energy light to pigmented cells in the meshwork. This gentle stimulation triggers your body's natural healing mechanisms to improve fluid flow without creating scar tissue that could further block drainage.
As the drainage system begins to function more efficiently, the pressure inside the eye is reduced. Most patients see a 20 to 30 percent drop in eye pressure within one to three months after the procedure.
The SLT Procedure: A Step-by-Step Guide
The entire procedure is quick, performed in the office, and involves minimal discomfort. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more comfortable and confident on the day of your treatment.
Your eye doctor will explain the procedure in detail and answer your questions. Numbing anesthetic drops will be placed in your eye to ensure comfort throughout the treatment. You may also receive an eye drop to prevent a temporary pressure spike that can occur after the procedure.
You will be seated at a machine similar to the one used for regular eye exams. A special lens will be placed on your eye to help focus the laser precisely on the drainage area. You will see a flashing light and may hear a clicking sound as the laser delivers quick, quiet pulses of light. The entire procedure usually takes five to ten minutes per eye.
Your vision may be blurry for a few hours as your eye heals. Your eye pressure will be checked about one hour after the procedure to ensure the treatment was effective. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions for post-treatment care to support healing.
- Use prescribed anti-inflammatory eye drops for a few days to manage mild inflammation.
- Avoid rubbing your eye to prevent irritation.
- Attend your follow-up appointment, typically scheduled one to six weeks after treatment, to check your eye pressure and assess your response.
Risks and Potential Side Effects
SLT is considered very safe, and the risk of serious complications is low. Most side effects are mild, temporary, and resolve on their own within days or weeks.
The most common side effects include mild eye redness, light sensitivity, and a feeling of scratchiness or grittiness. Some patients experience a brief, temporary spike in eye pressure that is monitored and managed by your doctor with medication if necessary.
In rare cases, prolonged inflammation or a significant, lasting increase in eye pressure can occur. These complications are uncommon and can typically be managed with medication or other treatments recommended by your ophthalmologist.
Our ophthalmologists minimize risks by carefully selecting candidates, conducting a thorough eye examination before treatment, and providing detailed pre- and post-treatment instructions. Attending all follow-up appointments is crucial for monitoring your eye's response and ensuring the best possible outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions About SLT
Here are answers to some of the most common questions patients have about the SLT procedure and how it can help manage glaucoma.
No. Numbing eye drops are used to make the procedure comfortable. Most patients report feeling little to no sensation, though some may notice a mild tingling or pressure feeling during the treatment.
The pressure-lowering effect typically lasts between one to five years. The treatment can be repeated if the pressure begins to rise again, as it does not cause scarring that would prevent future treatments.
No. There is no cure for glaucoma. SLT is a treatment that helps control eye pressure to manage the disease and prevent vision loss, but it does not cure the underlying condition.
Many patients can reduce the number of eye drops they use, and some can stop them completely. However, others may still need to use medication to maintain optimal eye pressure. Your ophthalmologist will work with you to determine the best approach.
Yes, SLT is a medically necessary procedure for glaucoma management and is typically covered by Medicare and most private insurance plans. We recommend checking with your specific insurance provider to confirm your coverage.
The laser treatment itself is very quick, usually taking about five to ten minutes per eye, and the entire office visit is typically completed within an hour.
No, you should not drive on the day of the procedure. Your vision may be blurry, and your pupils might be dilated. Please arrange for someone to drive you home from our Avon location or nearby clinics.
It can take one to three months for the full pressure-lowering effect of SLT to be realized. Your doctor will monitor your progress during follow-up visits and may adjust your treatment plan as needed.
Yes. Even after SLT treatment, you will need to continue regular eye exams to monitor your eye pressure and optic nerve health. These visits are essential for catching any changes early and adjusting your treatment if necessary.
Schedule Your Glaucoma Evaluation Today
If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma or have high eye pressure, SLT may be a valuable treatment option to help protect your vision. Contact ReFocus Eye Health Avon to schedule a comprehensive evaluation with one of our ophthalmologists. We serve patients from Avon, Hartford, Simsbury, Farmington, and throughout the Greater Hartford Region. Let us help you take control of your eye health and preserve your sight for years to come.
It was a very nice experience, everyone so kind, thoughtful, and explained everything fully to me. Dr. Pasternack was just as nice. I felt so comfortable.
Donna Pandolfi
Charlotte got me a same-day appointment with Dr. Pasternack for a painful eye issue. The staff was kind and knowledgeable. Dr. Pasternack was gentle, understanding, and attentive to my concerns.
Gail Deutsch
So happy to have Primary Eye Care Center as my new eye care office. I had a great experience for my first visit. I look forward to my next!
Mark Stoffer
Dr. Pasternak and his team are awesome. Thoughtfulness, kindness and competency make for a great experience as a patient.
Gordon Bishop
Dr. Pasternack and his team were amazing. They thoroughly checked my eyes, found my pressure normal, reassured me, and eased my fears. Very attentive and highly recommended.
Barb Silliman
Contact Us
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 8AM-5PM
Friday: 8AM-5PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed