Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty

Selective laser trabeculoplasty

The laser trabeculoplasty uses a very focused beam of light in order to treat the drainage angle of the eye. The surgery makes it effortlessly easier for fluid to flow out of the front part of the eye, that decreases pressure in the eye.

Two types of laser trabeculoplasty:

ALT - Argon laser trabeculoplasty SLT - Selective laser trabeculoplasty

SLT utilizes a lower-power laser than ALT does.

At first, the doctor will put drops in your eye in order to numb the eye. A slit lamp - special microscope & goniolens - lens are used to guide the laser beam to the trabecular meshwork where the fluid drains from the patient’s eye. The doctor will make small burns in the trabecular meshwork. Finally, the doctor will put drops in the patient’s eye in order to prevent the eye pressure from rising immediately. Few people feel some pressure in the eye amid the surgery.

Post Surgery

This can be done without the person being admitted. The patient may need to be examined by the doctor within a couple of hours of the surgery. Also, the patient will need to see the doctor for a follow-up check-up as recommended.

Why Selective laser trabeculoplasty?

It may be helpful in treating people whose glaucoma is getting worse continuously in spite of medicine treatment. Also, it may be helpful in treating older adults who are unable to use any medications and have glaucoma. Usually, the laser procedure is done before other surgical procedures are tried!