More than 4 million Americans have glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss, often due to increased intraocular pressure (IOP).
For years, the most popular first-line therapy has been prescription eye drops. While the treatment can help reduce eye pressure, sticking to a daily schedule and keeping up with refills can be a hassle. That’s why many patients are opting for selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) instead.
Anand Bhatt, MD, and our team at Orange County Cataract and Glaucoma in Santa Ana, California, offer SLT in the comfort of our office. Read on to discover what SLT is, how it works, and who can benefit.
SLT is a noninvasive, in-office procedure that targets the eye’s drainage system, called the trabecular meshwork. It uses low-energy laser pulses to treat specific cells in this area, helping fluid drain more effectively and reducing pressure buildup.
The procedure takes about 10-15 minutes per eye and doesn’t require general anesthesia or incisions. Because there’s little downtime, most people can return to their usual activities within a few days.
Laser treatment may sound intimidating, but it works. One large, well-regarded study, the Laser in Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension (LiGHT) Trial, found that SLT was both safe and effective. In fact, patients who received SLT spent less on treatment and experienced far better outcomes than those who used eye drops alone.
Yes. SLT offers an excellent first-line treatment option for glaucoma for several reasons. Here’s a closer look at some of the benefits:
SLT is also repeatable. If your IOP continues to increase in the months or years after treatment, the procedure can safely be performed again.
The best way to determine if you’re an SLT candidate is to schedule an eye exam with our caring team. That said, SLT may be a good option if you’ve been diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Other forms of glaucoma, like angle-closure, can be more complex and require different treatment approaches.
SLT is especially helpful if you take multiple prescription medications, struggle to stay on top of an eye drop schedule, or want to delay or avoid glaucoma surgery.
SLT isn’t right for everyone, but it’s a safe, effective, and convenient option for many people with glaucoma. If you’re tired of using eye drops every day, we can help you decide if SLT is a better fit.
Schedule a consultation today by calling our office at 714-541-4185 or using the online booking feature.
