Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty in Texas
Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
Author: Aanya Roy
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a minimally invasive laser procedure for lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with glaucoma and ocular hypertension. The therapy targets specific cells in the eye’s drainage system that can help enhance fluid outflow and alleviate strain on the optic nerve. SLT is often advised for open-angle glaucoma and may help decrease the need for daily glaucoma drugs. Texoma Retina & Glaucoma is providing innovative laser treatments to help maintain vision and control glaucoma successfully.
What Is Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty?
As an outpatient laser procedure, selective laser trabeculoplasty stimulates the eye’s natural drainage system with low-energy laser pulses. This makes it easier for fluid to drain and lowers the pressure inside the eye without making any cuts.
Purpose: SLT is a laser procedure used to treat open-angle glaucoma by lowering intraocular pressure (IOP). It targets the trabecular meshwork—the drainage system of the eye—to improve outflow of aqueous humor without damaging surrounding tissue.
When SLT Is Needed:
- Patients with primary or secondary open-angle glaucoma
- Those having difficulty managing daily eye drop regimens
- When medications cause side effects
- As a first-line treatment for newly diagnosed glaucoma
- When additional pressure reduction is needed after medication or other treatments
How Does SLT Lower Eye Pressure?
The laser points at pigmented cells in the drainage angle. This causes a biological reaction that makes the flow of fluid better. As drainage gets better, intraocular pressure goes down, which lowers the risk of glaucoma getting worse.
Procedure:
Setting: In-office, outpatient procedure
Time: About 5–10 minutes
Laser Used: Frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser
Function: Targets pigmented cells in the trabecular meshwork to stimulate better fluid drainage without harming nearby tissue
Steps:
- Numbing drops are applied to the eye
- Patient places head in laser machine’s headrest
- A special contact lens with gel is placed on the eye to focus the laser
- The doctor aims the laser pulses at the trabecular meshwork (typically 50–100 laser spots around 180° to 360° of the angle)
- Patient may hear clicking sounds and see flashes of light
- The contact lens is removed and the eye is rinsed
- Eye pressure is checked 30–60 minutes after the procedure
- The doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory drops (NSAIDs or steroids) for a few days
What to Expect After SLT
- Mild irritation or blurry vision may occur
- Most patients resume normal activities within a day
- Follow-up exams are important to monitor eye pressure
- Full results may take 1–3 months
- Pressure reduction can last 1–5 years; repeatable if needed
Benefits:
- Non-invasive, no incisions or implants
- Repeatable if needed
- No systemic side effects
- Quick recovery, minimal aftercare
- Can reduce or eliminate need for eye drops
- Proven 20–30% IOP reduction in most patients
Risks (Rare):
- Mild inflammation, redness, or discomfort
- Temporary IOP spike (usually resolves on its own)
- Dryness
- Rare: persistent IOP elevation or no significant effect
SLT vs. Glaucoma Medications
For many people, SLT is a substitute or adjunct to glaucoma medicines. SLT is an outpatient technique that lowers pressure, while eye drops have to be used regularly over a long period of time. However, some people may still require medication after treatment and may ultimately need repeat SLT or another treatment.
If you are a patient seeking Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty in Texas , a trained eye specialist, Dr. Vijay Kheptal and Dr. Rupak Dhoot can help you. Other Southern Oklahoma patients may be qualified for SLT laser treatment near Durant Oklahoma as well.
Laser treatment for glaucoma in North Texas is offered by Dr. Rupak Dhoot at Texoma Retina & Glaucoma, depending on the type of glaucoma, the pressure in your eye, the condition of your optic nerve, and your treatment history. Glaucoma laser treatment in Sherman TX might be part of a specific plan to save residual vision.
Why is Texoma Retina the Best Choice?
Patients seeking a glaucoma specialist in Sherman TX might undergo an evaluation to discover if SLT is a possibility for treatment. Selective laser trabeculoplasty in Sherman TX and SLT laser treatment near Durant Oklahoma can be an effective option for chosen patients.
Citations:
A. Francis, Brian. “Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)—Glaucoma Research Foundation.” Glaucoma Research Foundation, 11 Oct. 2023, glaucoma.org/treatment/laser/slt.
AAO OTAC Glaucoma Panel, and Hoskins Center for Quality Eye Care. “Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty for the Treatment of Glaucoma OTA.” American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Academy of Ophthalmology, 13 Sept. 2023, https://www.aao.org/education/ophthalmic-technology-assessment/new-ophthalmictechnologyassessment-6.
“Laser Surgery – Glaucoma Research Foundation.” Glaucoma Research Foundation, 11 Oct. 2023, glaucoma.org/treatment/laser.
Realini, Tony. “Why Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty Should Be a First-Line Treatment.” American Academy of Ophthalmology, Mar. 2024, www.aao.org/education/annual-meeting-video/why-selective-laser-trabeculoplasty-first-line.
Zheng, Cindy. “Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty as Primary Glaucoma Therapy – Glaucoma Research Foundation.” Glaucoma Research Foundation, 10 Jan. 2024, glaucoma.org/articles/selective-laser-trabeculoplasty-as-primary-glaucoma-therapy.
“Lasers – Texoma.” Texoma, Texoma Retina and Glaucoma, 20 Oct. 2022, texomaretina.com/lasers/.
Frequently Asked Questions
SLT is a laser treatment for some types of open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension that doesn't require a lot of surgery. It works by focusing on the trabecular meshwork to help the aqueous humor drain better and lower eye pressure.
SLT activates certain colored cells in the trabecular meshwork, which makes the eye's natural drainage system work better. IOP can go down if fluid flow is improved.
Before the treatment, drops are put on the eye to numb it. Most people don't feel much or any pain, but some may feel slight pressure, irritation, or light sensitivity.
Usually, the Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty Procedure takes between 5 and 10 minutes. The whole appointment might take longer because of getting ready and checking the patient's blood pressure after the treatment.
SLT can produce significant IOP reduction in many patients, however results vary from patient to patient. Some patients may eventually require medicines, repeat laser treatment, or glaucoma laser surgery.
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