What is SLT Laser ?

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is one of the greatest advances in the non medical treatment of intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with Glaucoma. SLT is a quick and simple procedure lasting about 15 minutes. It effectively reduces the eye pressure in the eye for most patients with glaucoma without the need of excessive eye drops and other glaucoma medications and in the long run prevents further optic nerve damage and subsequent vision loss.

Get ride of frequent eye drops by SLT laser

Who is SLT For ?

SLT is used specifically for open-angle glaucoma to increase fluid outflow. It involves creating a new drainage path for eye fluid to drain and lower intraocular pressure. Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma.

SLT laser can be used instead of or in addition to eye drops. It will be recommended when your glaucoma is inadequately controlled by medical therapy and interocular pressure puts you at risk for progressive glaucoma damage. It has been used for decades with much success at significantly lowering fluid in the eye to reduce the likelihood of pressure damage on the optic nerve. Your surgeon uses a special laser to improve the drainage angle hence reduce eye pressure. This is an outpatient procedure with no pain and minimal discomfort and takes only few minutes.

Why Is Glaucoma Laser Treatment The Best Option?

SLT is a short, outpatient procedures with quick recovery and a good safety profile. Both are performed using a topical anaesthetic. During the procedure laser energy is applied to the drainage tissues in the eye to improve the function of the eye’s drainage system. Treatment reduces the development of scar tissue and causes only minimal discomfort after treatment. After surgery you may still need medications to control eye pressure, as the results of treatment may take 4-6 weeks to work.

Laser treatment is the best option for patients who cannot tolerate the medications, develop allergy to them, or when medication alone is not adequate.

BENEFITS OF SLT:

Safe: SLT is not associated with systemic side effects or the compliance and cost issues of medications.

Smart: SLT stimulates the body’s natural mechanisms to enhance outflow of the fluid in your eye.

Selective: SLT utilises selective photo-thermolysis to target only specific cells, leaving the surrounding tissue intact.

What Can You Expect During The SLT Treatment?

Start with eye drops to prepare for comfort, surgeon apply some light(laser is type of light)to the angles of your eyes through delicate mirrors and lenses, not that much is felt or seen, they usually treat half of the eye at one time, and the procedure can be repeated on the other half if necessary. The laser applications are applied through a regular physician microscope (slit lamp), similar to the one used for eye examinations. Patients may see a flash of green or red light during the procedure.

Recovery and Aftercare

Your eye pressure may drop as quickly as in a day after having SLT performed. The doctor may treat the eye with anti-inflammatory eye drops that will be continued for a few days after the procedure. Patients have no limitations after their procedure and are able to drive home. Patients will be scheduled for a follow-up appointment to allow the doctor to evaluate the results. The vast majority of patients return to their regular daily activities within 24 hours after their laser procedure. You may need to continue your medication even after surgery. The effects wear off with time, lasting 1-5 years for most patients, but you can undergo repeat laser procedure if needed.

Are there any side effects of SLT?

Unlike with glaucoma medications, there is no risk of allergy or systemic side-effects with SLT. Complications are rare, but may include inflammation or swelling, temporary increase in eye pressure, conjunctivitis, soreness or eye pain.

Unlike older laser procedures (such as ALT), SLT does not permanently damage or scar the eye.

Why choose us for your SLT Treatment?

• Our surgeons have been performing refractive and non refractive treatments for our patients for over a decade.
• We offer quality service in clinical care and optical solutions for all patients.
• We give our clinicians complete access to advanced technologies for best eye care.
• Our doctors are committed to delivering customised treatment to each individual patient to achieve the best outcome.
• We provide clinical expertise, exceptional surgical results and complete aftercare.