Glaucoma

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is an advanced treatment option for glaucoma patients that lowers eye pressure and increases fluid drainage. This procedure offers a simple solution to glaucoma symptoms through a minimally invasive procedure with no side effects, scarring or pain.

The SLT procedure is effective for almost all patients with just one session. It has been performed successfully in Europe for the past 10 years and is now FDA approved for use in the US. It is performed in the office and takes just a few minutes, providing long-term results through the use of a low-energy laser beam.

SLT is most effective for patients unable to keep up with a daily eye drop treatment because of its cost, inconvenience or side effects. SLT controls glaucoma symptoms for up to 5 years with no need for additional medication, and relieves symptoms by promoting the body’s natural healing response. There are no major risks or complications associated with SLT and the procedure is covered by most insurance companies.

Filtering Microsurgery (Trabeculectomy)

Filtering microsurgery, commonly known as trabeculectomy, is a surgical procedure performed to treat glaucoma in patients whose intraocular pressure can no longer be controlled by eye drops, pills or laser treatments. This procedure may be performed on patients with open-angle or chronic closed-angle glaucoma, and can often effectively reduce pressure and prevent future vision loss. It is important for patients to realize that trabeculectomy cannot restore vision that has already been lost.

During the trabeculectomy procedure, tissue in the drainage angle is removed to create an opening and allow aqueous humor fluid to drain from the eye that has built up as a result of clogged drainage channels. A small tissue flap is also placed to partially cover the new opening, which will create a bubble as fluid drains through the opening. This bubble, known as a bleb, is located in between the sclera (white part of the eye) and iris (colored part of the eye), and will be monitored during future office visits to ensure that proper drainage is occurring.

After trabeculectomy, antibiotics will be placed in the eye to promote proper healing and reduce the risk of infection. A dressing will be placed over the eye for the first few nights, and then replaced with an eye shield to be worn at night for up to a month. Patients may be given corticosteroids to reduce any inflammation in the eye after surgery.

Although trabeculectomy is considered safe for many glaucoma patients, there is a risk of certain complications associated with this procedure, including scarring of the new opening, blurred vision, bleeding, infection, or extremely low or high pressure within the eye. You can reduce the risk of complication by choosing an experienced surgeon to perform your procedure, and by following your surgeon’s instructions before and after surgery.