About SLT
When intraocular pressure (IOP) is uncontrolled and builds within the eye, it can cause damage to the optic nerve, which leads to the development of an eye disease known as glaucoma. If glaucoma forms, the eyes become incapable of relaying images to the brain, and the eventual outcome is usually blindness. At Focal Point Vision in San Antonio, TX, we are pleased to offer a range of solutions for glaucoma, including selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT). This treatment works to create micro-injuries into the trabecular meshwork, improving the structure itself, as well as fluid flow throughout the eye. This technique is ideal for individuals who are diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma.
What Are the Benefits of Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty?
If you are struggling with open-angle glaucoma, selective laser trabeculoplasty performed at Focal Point Vision may help decrease IOP and preserve your eyesight. Benefits of this procedure at our San Antonio, TX office include:
- Decreasing intraocular pressure
- A quick, safe, and effective procedure
- Recovery time of only 1 – 2 days
- Does not cause damage to the trabecular meshwork
- Results often last for a few years
- Reducing the likelihood that glaucoma will progress
- Minimizes the need for future invasive eye surgery
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) FAQ
Does SLT (selective laser trabeculoplasty) hurt?
No, SLT isn’t painful. Before the procedure, your doctor at Focal Point Vision will numb the treated eye(s) with anesthetic drops to keep you comfortable. If they feel anything at all, most patients only report feeling a slight pressure during their procedure.
How long does an SLT procedure take?
The SLT procedure is very quick, often only taking a few minutes per eye.
Is the KDB (Kahook Dual Blade) safIs SLT safe?
While there is a very small risk (only 5%) of pressure spiking after the procedure, SLT is considered very safe and effective. If a spike in pressure occurs, it is typically easily managed with glaucoma medications and usually resolves after about 24 hours.
Do you still need glaucoma medications after an SLT procedure?
Many patients can control their IOP (intraocular pressure) with an SLT laser treatment alone. Others may need additional supplementation with glaucoma medication to control their IOP.
How Is SLT performed?
The selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a minimally invasive procedure that utilizes a highly advanced laser to create small micro-injuries within the trabecular meshwork, which is crucial to the eye’s natural drainage system. However, these micro-injuries don’t cause harm; rather, their purpose is to encourage the body’s natural healing process so that the trabecular meshwork can produce new and healthy tissue to better drain fluid out of the eye. This unique laser technology only impacts the targeted cells, meaning that there is a low chance of damaging the surrounding tissue.
What Should I Expect After SLT?
SLT is generally considered a mild treatment, so your recovery period should not be complicated or extended. Following selective laser trabeculoplasty performed at Focal Point Vision, you may experience a slight blur in your vision temporarily, along with some mild irritation and light sensitivity. SLT stimulates your body’s natural healing process, so healthy cells in the trabecular meshwork will begin to regenerate over time; sometimes this takes several months. Typically, our San Antonio, TX patients begin to experience positive effects of their procedure within 1 – 2 months and results often last 4 – 5 years. Following the procedure, our team will schedule one or more follow-up appointments so we can monitor your intraocular pressure and healing process.
Am I A Candidate For Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty
Even individuals with mild to moderate glaucoma regularly experience interruptions in their day-to-day lives and the stress that comes with it. To help address your glaucoma and restore your eyesight, the team at Focal Point Vision are proud to perform SLT. At our San Antonio, TX locations, our board-certified ophthalmologists evaluate patients to determine the ideal solution for their unique situation.
