Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, or SLT, is a form of laser surgery that is used to lower intraocular pressure in glaucoma. It is used when eye drop medications are not lowering the eye pressure enough or are causing significant side effects. It can also be used as initial treatment in glaucoma.

In this procedure, Dr. Walker uses a laser to create microscopic bursts of energy in the drainage pathways in your eye. The burns open the drainage holes and allows fluid to drain better through them. The procedure can lower the pressure in your eye and help prevent more damage to the optic nerve and loss of vision. 

SLT is an outpatient procedure and can take just minutes to perform, but you should allow up to 2 hours for your appointment.  

The intraocular pressure is reduced in the eye after the procedure, and the full effect of SLT can take up to 3 months. Blurred vision is common up to 24 hours after SLT treatment and slight irritation is not uncommon for up to two days.  Someone will be required to drive you home after the laser treatment. Generally, driving can be resumed the next day. However, if you are having vision problems, then you should wait several more days until you feel comfortable driving.  

Some risks include:

• Eye pain or redness.
• Eye pressure that's still too high or even too low.
• Loss of vision.
• Infection.
• Inflammation.
• Bleeding in your eye.