Advanced Laser Treatment for Chronic Open-Angle Glaucoma

Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a series of diseases that if left untreated can cause damage to the optic  nerve resulting in gradual vision loss and eventual blindness.  Damage to the optic nerve, due to glaucoma, is usually caused by an elevated intraocular pressure (IOP).

A clear fluid, called aqueous humor, fills the front of the eye (anterior chamber) and provides nourishment to the tissues.  Like the air in a balloon, the aqueous also provides pressure to help maintain the shape of the eye.

Open angle glaucoma progresses slowly.  There is no associated pain or other noticeable symptoms until much of the outside area of the field of vision is lost.

OAG treatment concentrates on lowering the pressure inside the eye to prevent

Laser treatments and some medications allow for faster drainage, while other medications reduce the production of aqueous humor.  If these methods fail to decrease fluid pressure, surgery may be required to create a new drainage channel.

Eye drops are commonly used to control glaucoma, however they can be very expensive, messy, have unwanted side effects, and a nuisance since they must be taken for the rest of the patients life.

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Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is AN ADVANCED TYPE OF LASER TREATMENT to manage patients with open-angel glaucoma.  Instead of generally burning tissue as in ALT, SLT selectively stimulates or changes only specific pigmented cells to activate increased fluid drainage.  Both SLT and ALT produce equivalent drops in IOP, however the more gentler SLT procedure does not have the associated damage to other tissues and adverse scarring effects.  For this reason, where ALT is limited, SLT may potentially be repeated.  SLT has also been found to be effective when ALT and other forms of medical treatment have failed.

With SLT, selective targeting of pigmented cells (the orange cells
at the right) located in the trabecular meshwork stimulates an increase in the drainage of aqueous humor to control glaucoma.

• SLT results in a biological response that increases aqueous drainage, and reduces intraocular pressure without burning tissue.
• No adverse reaction from medications.
• No adverse scarring of Trabecular Meshwork.
• May reduce the need for lifelong use of expensive eye drops and other medications
• May reduce or eliminate the trouble of always having to take glaucoma medications.

How is SLT performed?

SLT is usually performed in the office and only takes about 15-20 minutes.  Prior to the procedure, eye drops will be given to prepare the eye for treatment.  The laser applications are made through a special microscope, similar to the one used for eye examinations.  About 2 hours of office time should be planned so the IOP can be checked after the eye is treated.

What should be expected after SLT Treatment?

The IOP should drop significantly in, as quickly as, a day or more of having SLT performed.  The doctor may treat the eye with anti-inflammatory eye drops that will be continued for 4 to 7 days after the procedure.  Most patients will have to return for follow-up visits to re-check the treated eye.

Unlike some glaucoma medications, there are no incidences of allergy or systemic side effects with SLT.  Complications are minimal but may include inflammation, temporary increase in IOP, conjunctivitis, or eye pain.  For more information about SLT and how it may benefit you, please ask your doctor.


Prevention is the best medicine

Vision loss from glaucoma is permanent but can usually be prevented with early detection and treatment.  Glaucoma management is usually a lifelong process that requires frequent monitoring and constant treatment.  Since there is no way to determine if glaucoma is under control based on how a person feels, a person with glaucoma generally should be examined every 3 to 4 months.

If you have experienced a loss of peripheral vision or are having other difficulties with your vision, you should have a complete eye examination.