Patient Brochure - SLT for Glaucoma | Ellex

Why is it important to relieveintraocular pressure?The eye’s aqueous fluid is constantly produced anddrained at a balanced rate to ensure the health ofthe lens and cornea. When this drainage becomesblocked, intraocular pressure increases andopen-angle glaucoma (the most common form ofglaucoma) occurs. In order to preserve eyesight, it iscritical to decrease and control intraocular pressure.The green ring outlining the gradual enlarging opticnerve "cup" shows the progression of the diseaseWhat are my other treatmentoptions?• Drug therapy is the most common form oftreatment for open-angle glaucoma; however,there are side effects, and medications aren’teffective for all patients – and you have toremember to take your medicine every day.• If non-surgical methods fail, surgery maybe attempted to create a new drainagechannel. Unfortunately, this is a highlyinvasive procedure with a risk of bleeding andinfection.• Argon laser trabeculoplasty was formerlythe most widely used laser treatmentfor glaucoma. There are many problemsassociated with ALT, including irreversibledamage to the eye, along with permanentscarring.This pamphlet has been prepared by Ellex Medical P/L based oncurrently available information and is not intended to recommenda particular procedure. Please consult your physician todetermine whether SLT can enhance the management of yourglaucoma treatment.

SLT – the gentle alternative for glaucoma therapyWhat is SLT?Also known as Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, SLTis a simple, yet highly effective laser procedure thatreduces the intraocular pressure associated withglaucoma. It is performed in your ophthalmologist’soffice, and typically takes no more than five minutes.How does it work?SLT uses short pulses of low-energy light totarget the melanin, or pigment, in specific cells ofthe affected eye. In response, the body’s naturalhealing mechanisms go to work to rebuild thesecells. This rebuilding process improves drainageand lowers intraocular pressure. The surrounding,non-pigmented cells – as well as the rest of the eyestructure – are untouched and undamaged.Does SLT hurt?No. SLT is painless, and there are no side effects toworry about.GLAUCOMAWhat happens during theprocedure?Prior to treatment, eye drops are administeredto prepare the eye and provide mild anesthesia.Then, gentle pulses of light are delivered through aspecially designed microscope. The entire processtakes just a few minutes. When it’s complete, yourphysician may treat your eye with anti-inflammatoryeye drops.One to three days after the procedure, yourintraocular pressure should drop significantly. Andof course, your physician will want to re-check thetreated eye during periodic follow-up visits.How often can I have SLT done?SLT is gentle, non-thermal and non-invasive – whichallows the procedure to be repeated, if necessary.In comparison, repeat treatments of previousapproaches in laser therapy were either extremelylimited or not possible.Cause: The eye’s aqueous fluid is constantly produced and drainedat a balanced rate to ensure the health of the lens and cornea. Whenthis drainage becomes blocked, intraocular pressure increases andopen-angle glaucoma (the most common form of glaucoma) occurs.Solution: SLT uses short pulses of low-energy light to target the melaninin specific cells of the eye. In response, the body’s natural healingmechanisms go to work to rebuild these cells. This rebuildingprocess improves drainage and lowers intraocular pressure.Who will benefit from SLT?If you fit in to any of the following categories, you’rea good candidate for SLT:• If you have primary open-angle,pseudoexfoliation, pigmentary or juvenileglaucoma. (If you’re not sure, ask yourophthalmologist.)• If you are intolerant of glaucomamedications, or have difficulty taking them asprescribed.• If you are currently undergoing glaucomadrug therapy and wish to combine it withSLT.• If it is difficult for you to commit to regularfollow-up treatments, due to finances, lackof transportation, or other limitations.• If you have a history of failed ALT (argonlaser trabeculoplasty) treatments.What if SLT doesn’t work for me?SLT lowers intraocular pressure by an average of 25percent in 75 to 85 percent of patients treated. Forthose that do not respond, other forms of treatment,including traditional drug therapy, can still be highlyeffective.