Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) at Our Long Island/New York City-area Center

For patients with open angle glaucoma in whom drops or pills are either not tolerated or do not sufficiently control glaucoma, laser surgery may be recommended. At our Long Island office. serving all of New York City, glaucoma specialist Dr. Lawrence F. Jindra utilizes selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) to provide safe, effective care for his patients.

• Information on Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
• Candidates for SLT Glaucoma Laser Surgery
• Benefits of SLT Glaucoma Laser Surgery
• Risks of SLT Glaucoma Laser Surgery

 

Information on Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)

Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is performed using an ND:YAG laser. The device produces a high-energy light beam that turns into heat when it hits the trabecular meshwork, the drain in the eye. The heat does not make a hole in the trabecular meshwork; instead, SLT results in a biological response that causes very tiny areas of the trabecular meshwork to shrink, allowing the aqueous fluid to drain more effectively. SLT has a number of advantages over other glaucoma treatments, including:

• successfully lowers intraocular pressure in about four out of five cases
• treatment is painless or nearly painless for most patients, and is usually complete in about five minutes
• conservative approach that causes no burning or scarring of the trabecular meshwork
• repeatable with minimal risk

SLT can be performed in Dr. Jindra's New York City/Long Island-area office or in an outpatient facility. Hospitalization is not necessary, and most patients experience a rapid recovery.

Candidates for SLT Glaucoma Laser Surgery

It is important to understand that selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) does not work for everyone, but for some patients, SLT glaucoma laser surgery has been a very effective way to treat open angle glaucoma. The decision to use SLT glaucoma laser surgery depends mostly on factors such as:

• the patient's age
• the structure of the front part of the patient's eye
• the exact type of glaucoma
• the patient's response to previous glaucoma treatments

Dr. Jindra will determine if you are a good candidate for SLT glaucoma laser surgery at his Long Island office, serving all of New York City. Patients who are not eligible for SLT may be candidates for glaucoma implants surgery, another treatment Dr. Jindra offers.

Benefits of SLT Glaucoma Laser Surgery

Unlike its precursor, argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT), SLT glaucoma laser surgery does not cause any scarring of the trabecular network and therefore, is a repeatable procedure. This option has a number of other benefits as well, including:

• safest glaucoma laser surgery available
• effectively treats glaucoma and prevents future vision loss in the vast majority of patients
• reduces or eliminates the need for glaucoma medication in many patients
• extremely fast and precise treatment option
• minimal or no discomfort experienced during the procedure
• repeatable with minimal risk

SLT patients at Dr. Jindra's New York City/Long Island-area practice benefit from his extensive experience and skill. The first glaucoma specialist in the metro New York tri-state area to offer SLT, Dr. Jindra is a leading expert in the advancement of this laser treatment of glaucoma.

Risks of SLT Glaucoma Laser Surgery

As with any surgery, complications can occur during SLT glaucoma laser surgery, but are not common. Some possible complications include irritation, inflammation, and rarely, worsening of the glaucoma. The most common side effect of SLT glaucoma laser surgery is an increase in intraocular pressure for a few hours following the treatment. Dr. Jindra may measure your intraocular pressure after the SLT treatment to make sure it is not rising. If it does rise, medication will be given to lower the pressure. Some patients may still need to take some glaucoma medication after SLT. At his Long Island office, serving all of New York City, Dr. Jindra will go over all of the potential risks to ensure his parents are educated about their treatment options.

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If you would like more information on glaucoma and SLT glaucoma laser surgery in the New York City area, contact our Long Island ophthalmology center.