Laser Glaucoma Surgery Questions

What is SLT?

SLT, or Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, is a safe and effective procedure in which a laser is used to reduce pressure in your eye. By specifically targeting the cells in your eye that contain melanin, SLT stimulates your body’s natural healing response and significantly reduces future complications like vision loss.

What are the advantages of laser glaucoma surgery?

The advantages of laser glaucoma surgery include reduced instances of side effects and a less invasive approach than other surgical procedures. Because SLT stimulates your body’s natural healing response and enhances the outflow of fluid in your eye, it may also allow for you to live free of medications and daily eye drops.

Is laser glaucoma treatment a permanent fix for glaucoma?

There is no cure for glaucoma. The benefits of laser surgery have the potential to last for several years, but you may require additional treatments in the future. Your ophthalmologist will carefully monitor the pressure in your eyes during your annual vision exams to determine if subsequent treatments are required.

Is laser glaucoma surgery painful?

Laser glaucoma surgery is an outpatient procedure that generally takes around ten minutes. Your eye doctor will administer anesthetic eye drops to reduce any instances of discomfort. As such, you should not experience any pain during your procedure. This procedure is minimally invasive, and most patients are able to drive themselves home immediately following treatment.

How long does recovery from laser glaucoma surgery take?

You may experience some redness and mild swelling in the first few days following your treatment. Your eye doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory eye drops to help reduce swelling and help speed recovery.

Many people experience immediate results from laser glaucoma treatment but every patient is different. Follow up exams with your eye doctor will be required to determine the effectiveness of this treatment.

If you have questions about laser glaucoma surgery, please locate an experienced ophthalmologist in your area through www.eyes.com to schedule an initial consultation.