A novel new technique and technology has been recently developed for the treatment of glaucoma and is used by our practice. The treatment uses a special laser and is repeatable multiple times for patients with glaucoma.

The treatment is named Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) and can be done for patients whose pressure is not adequately controlled after the old laser procedure named Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT). It appears to have a very low incidence of side effects and complications. The new procedure is allowing many patients to reduce the number drops necessary to control their glaucoma or even eliminate their drops. In many cases, the SLT also may be less expensive over time than topical drop treatment and offers the additional avantage of possibly controlling glaucoma when patients are unable to instill drops for physicial (i.e. severe rheumatoid arthritic disease of the fingers) or psychological reasons.

SLT consists of treating pigment cells in the area where fluid flows out of the eye with a special laser in the office. Treatment is done with a drop of anesthetic on the eye and takes less than three minutes for most eyes. There may be several mechanisms by which SLT lowers eye pressure, but the main mechanism is believed to be caused by the stimulation of the body's immune system to remove accumulated pigment from the area where the fluid normally leaves the eye. This allows better outflow of fluid and lowering of eye pressure.

SLT does not work for everyone but does lower eye pressure for most patients with glaucoma. It is covered by Medicare and most insurance plans. The procedure is performed in our office. Please discuss with us whether SLT would be a good option for you.

© Earl W. Nepple, M.D., 2003 - All Rights Reserved
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