Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) Specialist

Los Angeles Glaucoma Group

Ophthalmologists & Glaucoma Specialists located in Los Angeles, Culver City, CA & Torrance, CA

When it comes to relieving the intraocular pressure created by open-angle glaucoma, typically the first lines of defense are eye drop medications or selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT). Daniel Krivoy, MD, and the team at Los Angeles Glaucoma Group have extensive experience with the treatment and help patients in Los Angeles, California, successfully overcome the symptoms of glaucoma. For more information, call 310-838-0202.

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) Q & A

What is selective laser trabeculoplasty?

Selective laser trabeculoplasty, or SLT, was first invented in 2002 as a way to encourage better drainage in your trabecular mesh, which is designed to provide an outlet for the fluid in your eyes.

Your eyes produce a liquid called aqueous humor, which supplies critical nourishment for your ocular health. After producing the aqueous humor, your eye takes the nourishment it needs and the rest is drained through your trabecular mesh and then sent out into your bloodstream.

When your trabecular mesh is compromised, whether due to age or something congenital, it prevents your aqueous humor from being released, creating a buildup that puts pressure on your optic nerve.

Using SLT, our experienced providers target the tissue in your trabecular mesh with a laser that has minimal heat absorption, which means there’s less potential for tissue damage. The laser energy kick-starts a biological and chemical change in the tissue in your trabecular mesh that restores its ability to do its job — drain your eye.

The procedure is considered minimally invasive.

Am I a candidate for selective laser trabeculoplasty?

SLT provides an excellent solution for glaucoma sufferers who aren't keen on continuing ongoing eye drop therapy. Results of the SLT procedure are about as effective as eye drops in that it offers about a 30% reduction in intraocular pressure. SLT might be right for you if you're having an adverse reaction to the eye drops, or you'd like a solution that doesn't present the daily hassle that comes with drops.

Los Angeles Glaucoma Group helps you weigh your options to ensure that you settle on a treatment plan that works best for your situation and goals.

When will I see results?

It takes a little while for your trabecular tissue to respond and rebuild after an SLT procedure, typically one to three months.

How long do results last?

Results of an SLT procedure vary, with patients reporting anywhere from one to five years of relief. As the benefits begin to wear off, you can discuss a follow-up procedure with our experienced providers.

To find out whether SLT is right for you, call us or schedule an appointment online using the easy booking tool.

We see patients for Glaucoma, Cataract Surgery, General Ophthalmology, and more. Call us to see Los Angeles Glaucoma Group at our Torrance or Culver City, Ca Location today.