What to Expect: Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)

If your doctor has recommended a SLT, read on to know what to expect at the visit.

1. What is selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT)?

A quick laser procedure that takes approximately 2-5 minutes for most patients.
Performed to help your natural drain inside your eye work better to help lower eye pressures or to decrease fluctuations in your eye pressures.

2. Why do I need it?

Your eye constantly produces a fluid called aqueous humor, which usually leaves the eye through a gutter-like drain in the drainage angle. This drain has a mesh-like cover called trabecular meshwork.
If your drain does not work well for any reason, your eye pressures may rise, which can damage the optic nerve (glaucoma).

3. What will happen at a SLT visit?

You will receive numbing eye drops. You may also receive a steroid and/or a glaucoma eye drop to decrease the risks of inflammation or high eye pressures in the eye(s) receiving the treatment.
Your doctor will bring you back to the laser room.
Your doctor may use a small lens to focus a small laser, and apply pulses of energy to the mesh-like cover over your internal drain. The laser does not make any holes in the eye – it just applies small amounts of light energy to the mesh-like cover.
Most people do not feel any pain, but some may feel a slight pressure sensation.

4. What to expect after the SLT?

Your vision will be dark for a few minutes immediately after the laser from the bright lights. This usually clears up within a few minutes.
Your doctor will let you know how long to wait in the clinic for your eye pressure(s) to be checked again before you leave.
If your doctor prescribes you any eye drops to use after the laser, use them as instructed.
You will receive instructions to make a follow-up appointment to recheck your eye pressures.

5. What are the risks of SLT?

As with any eye procedures, there are small risks associated with SLT, such as the following:

1. You may need a repeat SLT, or additional glaucoma treatments.
2. Your eye pressure may increase. You should not have eye pain, eye redness or headaches after the procedure. If you do, call our office the same day.
3. You may have swelling in your retina, which would not hurt, but may distort your vision, and you may need medical treatment.

REMEMBER:
If you have a question or a concern about your vision or your eyes, call us at 520-327-3487.