Is selective laser trabeculoplasty safe?
Is selective laser trabeculoplasty safe?
Selective laser trabeculoplasty is safe and effective for reducing IOP in patients with glaucoma. However, not all patients respond to treatment and its effects are not permanent even in those who respond well. In short: Selective laser trabeculoplasty is safe and effective for reducing IOP in patients with glaucoma.
What is trabeculoplasty surgery?
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, or SLT, is a form of laser surgery that is used to lower intraocular pressure in glaucoma. It is used when eye drop medications are not lowering the eye pressure enough or are causing significant side effects. It can also be used as initial treatment in glaucoma.
How many times can you get SLT?
If SLT is effective at lowering IOP but then wears off after several years, the procedure can be repeated. About half of patients will require repeat treatment after 5 years. Repeat treatments don’t always lower IOP as much, and continued repeat laser will eventually not be effective.
When is trabeculoplasty used?
How is laser trabeculoplasty done?
Laser energy is applied to the drainage tissue in the eye. This starts a chemical and biological change in the tissue that results in better drainage of fluid through the drain and out of the eye. This eventually results in lowering of IOP. It may take one to three months for the results to appear.
What is laser trabeculoplasty (LTP)?
Laser trabeculoplasty (LTP) has been a therapeutic option for the management of glaucoma for approximately 30 years, with its popularity rising during the past 10 years (Figure 1). LTP is attractive as a therapeutic option, because it can complement or supplant topical medical therapy.
Is argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) still relevant in the management of glaucoma?
This article reviews the historical role of argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) as well as its current indications and usage in the management of patients with glaucoma. Laser trabeculoplasty (LTP) has been a therapeutic option for the management of glaucoma for approximately 30 years, with its popularity rising during the past 10 years (Figure 1).
What is the alt treatment protocol for anterior trabecular meshwork?
A typical ALT treatment protocol would involve 100 spots delivered over 360º of the anterior trabecular meshwork. Dividing the total treatment over multiple sessions, separated by days or weeks (eg, two 180º applications performed 2 weeks apart) may reduce postoperative spikes in IOP.
What is the role of LTP in laser treatment for IOP?
LTP is attractive as a therapeutic option, because it can complement or supplant topical medical therapy. One laser treatment session can reduce the IOP for years, thus eliminating the side effects or poor compliance associated with medication.
