Have you been diagnosed with glaucoma or high eye pressure?
What is glaucoma?
- Glaucoma is an eye disease that is called “the sneak thief of sight,” because vision loss is often the first sign. If left untreated, glaucoma leads to vision loss by causing damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve is located in the back of your eye and sends images to your brain, allowing you to see. Damage to the optic nerve is often caused by high eye pressure. High eye pressure is the #1 risk factor for glaucoma.With early diagnosis of high eye pressure and effective treatment options, your risk for vision loss due to glaucoma can be reduced.
What is eye pressure?
- Your eyes naturally produce fluid that gives them their pressure and shape. Healthy eye pressure is maintained as fluid flows in and out of your eye. Everyone has an eye pressure range that is healthy and normal for them. If fluid builds up inside the eye, eye pressure can increase. High eye pressure can cause damage to the optic nerve, which can lead to vision loss.
What are the treatment options for glaucoma?
- There are many different treatments for glaucoma including medication, surgery, and laser therapy, such as SLT.
Frequently asked questions about SLT glaucoma laser treatment
- SLT is a cost-effective therapy that provides long-term control of eye pressure SLT may reduce or eliminate your need to take eye drop medication for glaucoma. SLT is typically covered by Medicare
What should I expect during SLT Therapy?
- Before the laser treatment, we will place eye drops in your eyes. During the laser therapy, you will be looking through a lens, similar to when you are having an eye exam. Your eye doctor will apply the laser through the lens and you will hear a series of clicks. The process typically takes a few moments and the majority of patients describe it as painless.
What should I expect after SLT Therapy?
- The most common side effect of SLT is mild eye irritation. Your eye doctor may prescribe eye drops to treat the mild irritation for a short-time after the procedure. For many patients, the mild irritation goes away on its own in a day or two.
Can I stop taking my glaucoma medication after I have SLT?
- You will need to schedule a follow-up appointment with your eye doctor to determine how effective SLT was in lowering your eye pressure. Your eye doctor may have you continue taking your current eye drop medication or may prescribe a new medication. Only your eye doctor can determine if and when you can stop taking your medication.
Can I have SLT therapy more than once?
- Yes. Your eye doctor may perform a series of treatments over a period of weeks or months to reduce your eye pressure.
