Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)

Selective laser trabeculoplasty, or SLT, is an eye surgery that involves the strategic use of a special laser to decrease intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and takes as few as five minutes to complete. While it is often considered a primary treatment for patients with open-angle glaucoma, it may also be recommended as a treatment option in patients who already use eye drops to lower the pressure in their eyes, or those who no longer benefit from other glaucoma medications. For many patients, this treatment can significantly improve eye drainage, which lowers intraocular pressure, and its effect can last years, after which the procedure can be safely repeated.

Who Can Benefit from SLT

You may be a good candidate for SLT if you:

Have primary open-angle glaucoma: You will be provided with important information regarding which type of glaucoma you have, as well as the appropriate treatment. For those with open-angle, pigmentary, or juvenile glaucoma, STL may be a good option.

Cannot take glaucoma medications: Some patients cannot tolerate certain glaucoma medications or simply are not able to take them as they are prescribed. In these cases, patients may benefit from SLT treatment.

Want SLT included in your current glaucoma treatment plan: SLT can be used in combination with other glaucoma treatments. Dr. Mittleman will let you know if SLT can help improve your glaucoma. After treatment, you will be advised if your other glaucoma medications are still necessary.

SLT Procedure Details

SLT is performed in-office and treatment begins with numbing eyedrops to ensure your comfort during the procedure. Your skilled Mittleman Eye doctor will place a lens with a special gel onto your eye, which helps guide the laser to the treatment area within the eye. There may be a slight sensation as the procedure is performed, but our team will ensure you are thoroughly prepared for what to expect during treatment. Patients may be sensitive to light or have mild discomfort after the procedure, but this only lasts for a few hours. In the days following SLT, intraocular pressure should noticeably decrease.

Risks

While all surgeries carry risks, SLT is associated with a strong safety record and has few side effects compared to other treatments. Inflammation is possible after SLT but is not considered a common side effect. It can be treated with anti-inflammatory medications. Immediately following the procedure, there may also be an increase in intraocular pressure, but our experienced doctors take steps to prevent this issue from occurring.

Recovery

When the procedure is complete, the lens is removed; blurry vision is common at this point but will improve when the gel is removed. You may be advised to take a day of rest, after which you will be able to get back to your normal routine.

Contact Mittleman Eye

The specialists at Mittleman Eye in West Palm Beach and Jupiter use the most advanced techniques to identify, treat, and delay the progression of glaucoma. Contact us today to get started with glaucoma treatment. Patients can schedule their appointments online for convenience, or simply call or text 561-500-2020 to have our team arrange their appointments.