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Laser treatment for chronic glaucoma

SLT (selective laser trabeculoplasty) gently lowers the pressure in the eye and can supplement or replace pressure-lowering eye drops.

DurationA few minutesPainNoneCan be repeatedYes

About glaucoma

Glaucoma occurs when the pressure in the eye is higher than the optic nerve can tolerate. The optic nerve is slowly damaged, which causes blind spots in the field of vision and can eventually threaten central vision.

What is SLT?

In SLT, a yellow YAG laser light is directed at the eye’s drainage system (the trabecular meshwork) in the drainage angle. The light reacts with the pigment and starts a biochemical process that increases the outflow of fluid from the eye, so the pressure falls.

SLT is usually used in addition to your eye drops, but in some cases it can be the first choice instead of drops.

Course of treatment

  1. DropsYou are given pressure-lowering and numbing eye drops.
  2. Contact lens and laserA special lens is placed on the eye and the laser light is applied. You may feel small pricks, but no pain.
  3. Home againYour vision is normal shortly afterwards. You may drive when you feel your vision is normal.
  4. Follow-upYou will be given an appointment for a check-up and any further treatment.

Continue your drops

Use your usual pressure-lowering eye drops both before and after the treatment, unless the doctor tells you otherwise.

Risks and side effects

SLT is considered a gentle treatment. In a few cases, reading vision may change temporarily for a few weeks. There is a low risk of a brief rise in pressure and an inflammation-like reaction in the eye, and very rarely temporary bleeding from the drainage angle.