Modern Glaucoma Care Options
Glaucoma care has advanced beyond relying only on eye drops. Many physicians now start with in-office lasers and very small-incision procedures that safely lower eye pressure while keeping daily routines simple.
Why SLT is a common first choice
Selective laser trabeculoplasty, or SLT, energizes the eye’s natural drainage tissue so fluid leaves more easily. That lowers intraocular pressure without adding more medications. SLT has a strong safety profile, can be repeated if pressure rises again, and many people reduce or even stop daily pressure-lowering drops after treatment. SLT is a medical procedure and is typically billed to medical insurance rather than vision insurance. Coverage varies by plan, and our team will help confirm benefits before your visit.
SLT at a glance
- About 5 to 10 minutes per eye.
- Numbing drops only. No injections.
- Most people resume normal activities the same day.
- Pressure reduction typically appears within days to a few weeks.
- Benefits often last for years and can be refreshed if needed.
What your visit is like
You will sit at a microscope similar to a routine eye exam. After numbing drops, a small contact lens guides the laser to the drainage tissue. Mild blur for a few hours is common. Follow-up pressure checks are scheduled to measure your response.
Who may be a good candidate
SLT is often recommended for open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. It suits people who want dependable pressure control with less day-to-day maintenance.
Watch SLT in action
See how SLT works and what to expect during treatment.
If you need additional pressure lowering
When SLT alone does not reach the target pressure, or if cataract surgery is planned, we can add minimally invasive glaucoma procedures. These use tiny openings to support the eye’s natural drain or create a gentle alternate pathway, aiming for steady pressure control with a quicker recovery than traditional surgery.
More ways to lower eye pressure
These small-incision procedures can be added if you need more pressure control or are having cataract surgery.
- Tiny stents that help keep the eye’s drain open so fluid exits more easily.
- A brief trim of the blocked filter tissue inside the eye to reduce resistance.
- Gentle cleaning and widening of the main drainage channel to restore smoother flow.
- For eyes that need a larger pressure drop, a very small surface shunt that routes fluid to a safe reservoir.
A plan designed for you
Treatment is tailored to your diagnosis, stage of disease, target pressure, and any cataract surgery plans. Our goal is the same in every case, protect vision with the least burden on your daily life.
Next step
If you have glaucoma or elevated eye pressure, SLT may be a safe and effective first step. Call us today to book your evaluation.
