If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma, you may have been told that laser treatment could help control the pressure inside your eye. For many patients, glaucoma laser treatment can be an effective way to reduce eye pressure and help protect the optic nerve from further damage.
One of the most commonly used laser treatments is Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT). This is a relatively quick outpatient procedure designed to improve the eye’s natural drainage and lower intraocular pressure.
At The Medical Eye Clinic in Exeter, SLT is one of the treatment options available for suitable glaucoma patients alongside eye drops, iStent and other surgical procedures.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which carries visual information from the eye to the brain.
In many cases, this damage is associated with raised pressure inside the eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP).
The eye continuously produces a clear fluid called aqueous humour. This fluid normally leaves the eye through its drainage system. If it does not drain effectively, pressure can increase and gradually damage the optic nerve.
Glaucoma often develops slowly and may not cause obvious symptoms during its early stages. This is why regular monitoring and treatment are so important.
What Is Glaucoma Laser Treatment?
Glaucoma laser treatment uses precisely controlled laser energy to help lower pressure inside the eye.
There are different types of laser procedure used in glaucoma care. One of the most established treatments for open-angle glaucoma is Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, commonly known as SLT.
SLT targets the trabecular meshwork, which forms part of the eye’s natural drainage system.
The laser encourages this drainage pathway to work more effectively, allowing aqueous fluid to leave the eye more easily and helping reduce intraocular pressure.
What Is Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty?
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty is a minimally invasive laser procedure that can be used to manage certain types of glaucoma and ocular hypertension.
Unlike traditional surgery, SLT does not involve making an incision in the eye.
During treatment, short pulses of laser energy are applied to the drainage tissue. The surrounding structures are largely unaffected, which is why the treatment is described as “selective”.
SLT may be considered:
- As an initial treatment for suitable patients
- As an alternative to glaucoma eye drops
- Alongside existing medication
- When eye drops are not reducing pressure sufficiently
- When side effects or difficulties using eye drops make long-term medication challenging
The most appropriate treatment depends on your individual diagnosis, eye pressure and overall eye health.
How Does SLT Lower Eye Pressure?
The laser stimulates a biological response within the eye’s drainage system.
Over the following weeks, this can improve the flow of fluid through the trabecular meshwork.
Better drainage allows pressure inside the eye to fall.
It is important to understand that the laser itself does not restore vision already lost because of glaucoma. Instead, reducing eye pressure aims to protect the optic nerve and lower the risk of further sight loss.
Who Is Suitable for Glaucoma Laser Treatment?
SLT is commonly used for patients with open-angle glaucoma or raised intraocular pressure.
However, it is not suitable for every patient or every type of glaucoma.
Your ophthalmologist will consider factors including:
- The type of glaucoma you have
- Your current eye pressure
- The amount of optic nerve damage
- Your visual field results
- Treatments you have already tried
- Other eye conditions
- Your general health and medical history
A detailed glaucoma assessment is therefore necessary before deciding whether laser treatment is appropriate.
What Happens Before SLT?
Before undergoing glaucoma laser treatment, your ophthalmologist will carry out a detailed assessment.
This may include:
- Measuring your eye pressure
- Examining the optic nerve
- Visual field testing
- OCT imaging
- Examining the drainage angle of the eye
- Reviewing your current glaucoma medication
Your consultant will explain why SLT has been recommended and discuss the expected benefits, limitations and possible risks.
You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions about the procedure.
What Happens During Glaucoma Laser Treatment?
SLT is normally performed as an outpatient procedure.
Numbing eye drops are applied to the eye before treatment to help keep you comfortable.
A special contact lens may then be placed gently on the surface of the eye. This allows the ophthalmologist to clearly see the drainage angle and accurately direct the laser.
A series of laser pulses are then applied to the trabecular meshwork.
You may notice bright flashes of light during the procedure, but treatment is generally well tolerated.
How Long Does SLT Take?
SLT itself is usually a relatively quick procedure.
You will spend longer at the clinic than the treatment takes because time is needed for preparation, eye drops and checks before and after the procedure.
The Medical Eye Clinic currently lists SLT as a consultant laser procedure for either one or both eyes.
Is Glaucoma Laser Treatment Painful?
Most patients experience little or no pain during SLT because anaesthetic eye drops are used beforehand.
You may notice mild pressure from the contact lens used during the procedure or see flashes of light as the laser is applied.
Afterwards, some people experience temporary irritation, mild discomfort or blurred vision.
Your clinical team will explain what is normal and what symptoms should prompt you to contact the clinic.
What Happens After SLT?
Your eye pressure may be checked after treatment, and you will receive individual aftercare instructions.
Your vision may be slightly blurred initially, so you should follow your clinic’s guidance about driving home and returning to normal activities.
Some patients are prescribed eye drops following the procedure, while others may continue with their existing glaucoma medication.
Do not stop using prescribed glaucoma drops unless your ophthalmologist specifically advises you to do so.
How Quickly Does SLT Work?
SLT does not usually lower pressure immediately.
The treatment effect typically develops gradually as the eye’s drainage system responds to the laser.
Your ophthalmologist will arrange follow-up appointments to assess your eye pressure and determine how well the treatment has worked.
If your pressure remains above the target level, additional treatment may be needed.
How Effective Is Glaucoma Laser Treatment?
SLT can lower eye pressure effectively for many suitable patients, but individual results vary.
Some people achieve a significant reduction in intraocular pressure and may be able to reduce their dependence on eye drops.
Others may still need medication alongside laser treatment.
The effect may also reduce over time, meaning further treatment or a different glaucoma procedure could eventually be required.
Can SLT Replace Glaucoma Eye Drops?
In some patients, SLT can reduce or remove the immediate need for daily glaucoma medication.
For others, it is used together with eye drops to achieve better pressure control.
Whether medication can be reduced depends on:
- How much your eye pressure falls
- Your target eye pressure
- The severity of your glaucoma
- Whether the disease remains stable
- How you respond over time
Never stop your glaucoma medication without advice from your ophthalmologist.
Can Glaucoma Laser Treatment Be Repeated?
One advantage of SLT is that it may sometimes be repeated if its effect reduces over time.
However, repeat treatment is not appropriate in every case and may not produce exactly the same response.
Your consultant will assess whether repeat SLT or another treatment would be more suitable.
Are There Risks With SLT?
SLT is generally considered a low-risk procedure, but no medical treatment is completely without potential complications.
Possible effects can include:
- Temporary inflammation
- Mild discomfort
- Temporary blurred vision
- A short-term rise in eye pressure
- Limited or insufficient reduction in eye pressure
Your ophthalmologist will explain the benefits and risks that apply to your individual situation before you consent to treatment.
What If SLT Does Not Lower My Eye Pressure Enough?
Glaucoma treatment is highly individual.
If SLT does not reduce your pressure sufficiently, your specialist may recommend other options such as:
- Glaucoma eye drops
- Additional laser treatment
- Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery
- iStent
- More traditional glaucoma surgery
The Medical Eye Clinic offers glaucoma management ranging from eye drops and SLT through to minimally invasive techniques such as iStent, depending on the patient’s needs.
Is Glaucoma Laser Treatment a Cure?
No. Glaucoma laser treatment does not cure glaucoma.
Damage to the optic nerve that has already occurred cannot usually be reversed.
The aim of SLT is to lower eye pressure and help reduce the risk of further damage.
Even if your pressure responds very well to treatment, you will still need regular glaucoma monitoring.
Why Is Follow-Up Important?
Glaucoma is a long-term condition.
Even when treatment successfully lowers eye pressure, changes can still occur over time.
Follow-up appointments may involve:
- Eye pressure measurements
- OCT scans
- Visual field tests
- Optic nerve assessment
- Review of your medication
These tests allow your ophthalmologist to determine whether the condition remains stable or whether treatment needs to be adjusted.
Glaucoma Laser Treatment at The Medical Eye Clinic
At The Medical Eye Clinic in Exeter, glaucoma care is provided by consultant ophthalmologists with experience in glaucoma diagnosis, laser treatment and surgery. The clinic offers SLT alongside other glaucoma treatments, allowing management to be tailored to the needs of each patient.
If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma or have been advised to consider laser treatment, a specialist consultation can help you understand whether SLT is appropriate for you.
Is SLT Right for You?
For suitable patients, glaucoma laser treatment can provide an effective way to lower eye pressure without traditional surgery.
SLT is quick, minimally invasive and may reduce reliance on daily medication for some patients. However, its effectiveness varies and continued monitoring remains essential.
Contact The Medical Eye Clinic to arrange a glaucoma assessment and discuss the most appropriate treatment options for your eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is glaucoma laser treatment?
Glaucoma laser treatment uses controlled laser energy to help lower pressure inside the eye. SLT is one of the most common laser treatments used for open-angle glaucoma.
How long does glaucoma laser treatment take?
SLT itself is usually quick and performed as an outpatient procedure. Additional time is needed for preparation, eye drops and checks before and after treatment.
Is SLT painful?
Most patients find SLT comfortable because numbing eye drops are used. Mild irritation or temporary blurred vision can occur afterwards.
How long does SLT last?
The length of benefit varies between patients. The pressure-lowering effect can reduce over time, and some patients may eventually require repeat treatment, medication or surgery.
Can SLT stop glaucoma getting worse?
SLT can lower intraocular pressure, which is the main proven way of reducing the risk of further glaucoma damage. Regular monitoring is still necessary.
Will I still need glaucoma eye drops after SLT?
Possibly. Some patients can reduce their medication after successful SLT, while others continue using eye drops. Your ophthalmologist will advise you based on your pressure response.
Does glaucoma laser treatment restore lost vision?
No. SLT cannot restore optic nerve damage or vision already lost from glaucoma. Its purpose is to reduce eye pressure and help protect remaining vision.