Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a laser surgery that is used to treat one of several different types of glaucoma, the most common type being “open-angle glaucoma” where too much fluid builds up in the eye and cannot drain away and causes high pressure to build in the optic nerve.

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty was initially indicated for open-angle glaucoma but has been proven to be effective for various types of glaucoma. When prescribed eye drop medications do not lower the eye pressure or cause side effects, Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) can be a treatment that can help control glaucoma without the use of eye drops.

SLT is a pain-free, quick and safe procedure that is performed by Dr. Berke in the office at Berke Eye Care. With SLT, a low level energy laser targets specific cells in the mesh-like drainage channels using very short applications of light. The laser does not create new drainage holes, but rather stimulates the drain to function more efficiently. The treatment has been shown to lower eye pressure at rates comparable to ALT.

Laser Trabeculoplasty can also be used as a first line of treatment for patients who prefer not to use glaucoma eye drops every day.

Call our office 516-794-2020 to schedule a consult.

Aside from the proven effectiveness of using Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) in treating open angle glaucoma, there are several advantages to both the physician and patient. SLT procedures are covered by insurance and in the long run are more affordable than eye drops, whereas some patients pay a few hundred dollars a month for the eye drops.

Recent trials have found that SLT provided more robust Intraocular Pressure lowering while being a more cost effective first line option