Glaucoma Treatment Filutowski LASIK

Treatment of Glaucoma

SLT (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty) Therapy to reduce pressure from Glaucoma

S L T Laser treatment is a safe, mostly painless office procedure that may allow many of our glaucoma patients to eliminate or reduce the need for eye drops. SLT is covered by most insurance plans, takes just minutes to perform by our doctors, and does not require any recovery time.

The majority of our glaucoma patients are treated with drops to lower the pressure in their eyes. Some of our patients may develop a reaction or an allergy to the drops. Additionally, eye drops can be costly and patients often forget to use them.

The SLT is an alternative for your treatment of glaucoma. We would like you to understand how it works, and to consider it as an alternative for your own treatment.

First, Open Angle Glaucoma occurs when there is an increase in fluid production or a decrease in fluid drainage. The resulting increased pressure inside the eye causes damage to the optic nerve. Over time, as the optic nerve fibers are destroyed, peripheral (side) vision is lost.

SLT improves the outflow of fluid of the eye, which in turn lowers your eye pressure.

SLT is advancement over other lasers that have been used safely and effectively in the treatment of open-angle glaucoma for more than two decades.

SLT takes only minutes to perform. Eye drop anesthesia is used. Most patients are comfortable or only feel a mild discomfort during treatment. The eye may have some slight irritation following the procedure.

The few key reasons why SLT may be beneficial for you:

Safe: SLT is not associated with systemic side effects such as allergies.
Selective: SLT targets only specific cells, leaving the surrounding tissue intact.
Smart: SLT stimulates the body’s natural mechanisms to enhance outflow of the fluid of your eye.
Sensible: SLT is covered by most insurance plans and is reimbursed by Medicare, which can eliminate your expenses of the eye drop therapy.
We will be happy to discuss how SLT can benefit your vision. If you would like to know if SLT can be an alternative treatment for you, please call to schedule an appointment.

For more information on SLT therapy and glaucoma, please visit the following sites:
www.ophthalmic.lumenis.com/wt/page/glaucoma
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glaucoma