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SELECTIVE LASER TRABECULOPLASTY (SLT)

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty surgery is a progressive new treatment and is used to fight the progression of glaucoma. The laser is utilized to treat the drainage system of the eye known as the trabecular meshwork. Treating this area of the natural draining system is designed to improve the drainage system. The SLT mechanism promotes the body’s own natural healing response, allowing fluid to move more freely out of the eye to successfully lower the eye pressure. This procedure has virtually no side effects and may eliminate or reduce the quantity of prescription medications, eye drops, surgery and other invasive treatments required to control this disease. SLT may be performed in one or two trips to the office. The laser machine is similar to the microscope that the doctor uses at your visits to look into your eyes. Nearly all patients find the procedure comfortable and pain free. This procedure generally takes from 10 to 20 minutes.

Patients may need to use drops before and after the procedure. As the pressure in the eye may temporarily go up after the treatment, the pressure will be measured after ½ to 1 hour following the surgery. Drops are needed after this procedure to help the eye heal correctly. In most cases, glaucoma medications will be continued until the doctors suggests otherwise.

The Eye Center of Orange County was the first in this area to offer this breakthrough laser treatment. Please call our office for an appointment to see if you are candidate for this new treatment.

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