SLT in Birmingham, AL

Our eye care experts at inVision Ophthalmology Birmingham are devoted to offering the best possible care to patients suffering from glaucoma so we can help ease their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Those who have not experienced success with prescription eye drops may benefit from a more effective procedure, such as a selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT). This treatment utilizes advanced laser technology to improve the tissue quality of the trabecular meshwork, which is responsible for the flow of fluid inside and outside of the eye. SLT has been shown to be safe and effective, and it is very widely performed as a solution for glaucoma. To learn more about your glaucoma treatment options, contact our office in Birmingham, AL.

Selective laser trabeculoplasty, or SLT, at inVision Ophthalmology Birmingham can help you effectively treat your glaucoma with benefits including:

• Relieving intraocular pressure (IOP)
• Reducing the need for medication
• Supporting eye health
• Protecting vision
• Treatments are quick and easy
• Recovery is fast
• Safe and effective

SLT (selective laser trabeculoplasty) is a great option for anyone who is living with mild to moderate glaucoma and has experienced difficulty managing their glaucoma with prescription eye drops. Able to dramatically lower IOP (or intraocular pressure), SLT can help glaucoma patients reduce their reliance on glaucoma medication and improve overall eye health. People who have low target IOPs, uncontrolled IOP, or have had a previous glaucoma surgery may not be candidates for SLT. During your consultation at inVision Ophthalmology Birmingham, we will examine your eyes and review your medical history to ensure SLT is right for you.

Our team at inVision Ophthalmology Birmingham offers SLT as an outpatient procedure. This minimally invasive treatment uses precise laser technology to produce micro-injuries throughout the trabecular meshwork, the structure of the eye that manages the flow of fluid in and out of the eye. These tiny penetrations tap into the body's natural healing capabilities to help the trabecular meshwork develop healthy tissue, allowing the eye to drain aqueous fluid properly. As the name describes, the procedure applies the laser energy selectively, which prevents damage to the nearby tissue. To make sure that you stay comfortable throughout your treatment, your affected eye will be numbed with anesthetic drops.

Does SLT hurt?

No, it doesn't. Before a selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) procedure begins, your eyes will be numbed with anesthetic drops. Most patients only feel slight pressure, if anything at all.

Is SLT safe?

Yes, it is. Selective laser trabeculoplasty is generally considered very safe and effective, with only a very small risk (5%) of intraocular pressure spikes after the procedure. If intraocular pressure does rise, it is easily controlled with medication and typically goes away after 24 hours.

How long does it take to get SLT?

A selective laser trabeculoplasty is very fast, often only taking less than 10 minutes per eye.

How long do the results of SLT last?

In general, most patients can expect the results of their SLT procedure to last about 1 – 5 years. SLT can be repeated if the results wane.

At inVision Ophthalmology Birmingham, we strive to provide the best eye care to patients to help them reduce their symptoms so they can worry less in their day-to-day lives. If you've been diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma, our team can help. Schedule an appointment at our office in Birmingham, AL at your earliest convenience, and experience glaucoma relief.