El SLT-laser o Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty is a treatment that is performed in the ophthalmology clinic, in one session, lasts a few minutes, and is risk-free. This treatment is very effective in certain cases of glaucoma, where it is possible decrease the Intraocular pressure up to 30%.

En Área Oftalmológica Avanzada We give you all the information you need about the SLT laser.

laser slt

What is the SLT laser?

La Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a safe and effective glaucoma laser treatment. It is presented as an alternative to the treatment of glaucoma in patients with ocular hypertension o open angle glaucoma primary or secondary, who have difficulties with the usual treatment (such as intolerance or lack of blood pressure control).

Through the use of the SLT laser, a controlled and intermittent heating of the pigmented cells of the trabecular meshwork, an effect known as selective thermolysis.

It is a mechanism that allows the regulation of intraocular pressure, but in a less invasive and traumatic that glaucoma surgery such as trabeculectomy or non-perforating deep sclerectomy, which we perform in the operating room and which, although very safe, are not exempt from the usual risks of an operating room.

This treatment is defined as selective since it acts selecting the pigment cells of the trabecular meshwork, responsible for regulating intraocular pressure and without causing any damage to other tissues.

What is this laser treatment for?

The SLT laser is used in those patients where eye drops fail to sufficiently reduce eye pressure, or cause significant side effects. In the cases of glaucoma, can also be used as initial treatment.

The studies carried out in relation to this topic, they indicate a 20% to 30% drop in intraocular pressure in 70% of patients, with a single session of 360º trabeculum. In 30% of cases, re-treatment is needed after 5 years.

How does Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty work?

It should be noted that the SLT laser activates a tissue remodeling process, without causing thermal damage. Reason why can be repeated whenever needed and it does not influence other possible glaucoma treatments that the patient may need in the future.

El process of the operation of selective laser trabeculoplasty is as follows:

Before

The preparation of the treatment consists of the application of a miotic eye drop It has anesthetic and anti-inflammatory effects.

During

The session lasts between 10 and 15 minutes, and the patient do not experience pain during it. It uses a laser YC-200 S PLUS which acts at a wavelength of 532 nanometers and in a time span of 3 nanoseconds, producing selective heating of the pigmented cells of the trabecular meshwork, without burning them.

In this way, there is a inflammatory reaction that cleanses and stimulates these cells, making them work better and you can get the aqueous humor of the eyeball.

Postoperative

for a few weeks a mild anti-inflammatory eye drop will be applied. The patient can develop her life normally after treatment.

However, the effects of selective laser trabeculoplasty are not instantaneous, so it is necessary to maintain the treatment for up to 8 weeks. treatment of ocular hypotension.

After that time, the SLT laser treatment should have produced its maximum effects. At this time, its effectiveness can already be evaluated.

SLT laser treatment for glaucoma does not require hospitalization of the patient, who in the following days and weeks can lead a normal life once the effect of the drops wears off.

Possible risks of the SLT laser

It is usual to occur inflammation, although in most cases it is usually mild and is treated by observation, eye drops or an oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

In addition, after the laser occurs around a 5% incidence of elevated intraocular pressure, that can be controlled with the same glaucoma drugs. Normally, it disappears after 24 hours.

In which patients is it recommended?

It will be up to the ophthalmologist to decide if selective laser trabeculoplasty is appropriate for the patient. In principle, the SLT is indicated in cases of primary or secondary open-angle glaucoma (in which the drainage system in the front of the eye is open) and in which it is necessary reduce intraocular pressure.

On the other hand, laser treatment is contraindicated in patients with narrow angle glaucoma or keratopathies that hinder correct visibility of the angle and trabeculum, as well as in those with glaucoma inflammatory or traumatic.

This laser treatment can be performed on patients previously treated with Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty, with the same efficacy as the previous treatment. However, a lower blood pressure drop is expected in patients who have undergone glaucoma surgery, so in these cases, SLT is not recommended.

Side effects of SLT in glaucoma

Side effects of SLT are usually minimal or mild. As we have seen, in 5% of patients a peak ocular hypertension, and also a inflammatory reaction insignificant eye.

These symptoms can be controlled with hypotensive medication and, in any case, in the days after treatment, intraocular pressure should be measured regularly.

En Área Oftalmológica Avanzada we are experts in the treatment with SLT laser. If you think this could be an effective solution given your case, all you have to do is contact us. We will wait for you!

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Find out everything you need to know about the SLT laser
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Find out everything you need to know about the SLT laser
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Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a safe and effective laser treatment. It is presented as an alternative for patients with ocular hypertension or primary or secondary open-angle glaucoma.
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Área Oftalmológica Avanzada
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