A-Z OF EYES

Categories - Eye Treatment - Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a relatively minor operation used to treat Glaucoma in which some of the blockages to the drainage canals are opened. SLT uses short pulses of low-energy light to target the melanin, or pigment, inspecific cells of the affected eye. The bodies own healing mechanism goes to work to repair the cells.

SLT is generally performed when eye drops have been unable to slow the deterioration in the field of vision.

SLT is performed under local anaesthetic and does not require a hospital stay. It is gentle, non-thermal and non-invasive - which enables the treatment to be performed again on the same eye if necessary.

One to three days after the procedure there is generally a significant drop in intraocular pressure. Your doctor will re-check the treated eye with periodic follow-up consultations. Often eye drops may need to be continued after laser.