Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty/Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty
Laser trabeculoplasty is a laser procedure that may be recommended to reduce the eye pressure in glaucoma patients. An in-office laser is used to target the drainage angle of the eye, thereby reducing the eye pressure.
You may be a candidate for ALT/SLT if you have glaucoma that is not well controlled with eye drops alone, if you have difficulty with compliance to your eye drops, have an allergy to one or more eye drops, or have difficulty obtaining or administering the glaucoma drops. It is also done in the office with use of a numbing drops and a special lens to visualize the drainage angles of the eye. As with other laser procedures, ALT/SLT can incite inflammation or cause a pressure spike within the eye.
Your ophthalmologist will prescribe anti-inflammatory drops for temporary use after the procedure and monitor closely for any of these side effects. Blurred vision or slight discomfort is common for a day or two after the procedure. The eye pressure-lowering effects of ALT/SLT may last for a couple to several years depending on the patient, but may be repeated in the future if needed.
