SLT in Tuscaloosa, AL

Glaucoma causes damage to the optic nerve as a result of pressure from fluid buildup in the eye. When the condition is left untreated, it can lead to gradual vision loss or even total blindness. However, when glaucoma is diagnosed and treated by a trained ophthalmologist, it may be possible to preserve your existing vision by lowering your intraocular pressure. At inVision Ophthalmology Tuscaloosa, our highly experienced doctors specialize in a number of innovative techniques for managing open-angle glaucoma. One of our advanced treatment methods is selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), which applies energy from a laser to the trabecular meshwork in your eye to promote fluid drainage and lower your eye pressure. Contact our team in Tuscaloosa, AL to learn more and schedule a consultation.

SLT in Tuscaloosa, AL at inVision Ophthalmology Tuscaloosa offers a variety of great benefits to treat your glaucoma, including:

• Improves overall eye health
• Provides effective, long-lasting reduction in eye pressure (IOP)
• Reduces reliance on medications
• Preserves health of optic nerve
• Slows glaucoma progression
• The procedure is safe, quick, and easy
• Recovery time is short

The best candidates for SLT are individuals who have open-angle glaucoma and have had limited success managing their eye pressure with glaucoma medications, such as eye drops. SLT is a quick, minimally invasive procedure performed at our facility in Tuscaloosa, AL. After numbing your eye, specialized laser technology will be used to create micro-injuries in the trabecular meshwork, which stimulates the body's natural healing mechanism in order to produce healthy tissue that helps aqueous fluid drain out of the eye. After the SLT procedure, you may have blurry vision, which generally improves by the next day. While there is no cure for glaucoma, SLT can help lower your eye pressure with effects lasting anywhere between 1 – 5 years before a potential follow-up treatment might be recommended.

Is selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) safe?

Yes, SLT is generally considered safe and effective for most patients. While there is a slight risk for a spike in intraocular pressure. Typically this side-effect is only seen in 5% of patients and is easily controlled with medication. If a pressure spike does occur, it will be treated and typically resolves within 24 hours or less.

Is SLT painful?

No, SLT isn’t painful. Before our doctors begin an SLT procedure, they will put anesthetic drops in your eyes to numb them and make sure you are comfortable. If anything is felt at all, some patients report feeling slight pressure.

How long does SLT take?

Selective laser trabeculoplasty is very quick, typically only lasting about 10 minutes or less per eye.

Will I still need glaucoma medications after an SLT procedure?

The majority of patients will be able to control their IOP (intraocular pressure) with a SLT by itself, but others may need additional support with glaucoma medications.

The caring team at inVision Ophthalmology Tuscaloosa is committed to offering cutting-edge options to manage the effects of glaucoma. Our ophthalmology specialists are experts in performing selective laser trabeculoplasty to help slow or prevent damage to the optic nerve. Schedule a consultation in Tuscaloosa, AL to find out more about the benefits of SLT.