Modern Glaucome Treatments
Next-Generation Glaucoma Care: Options Beyond Daily Drops
Glaucoma management has moved past relying on eye drops alone. Many specialists now begin with in-office laser therapy and micro-incisional procedures that safely lower eye pressure while easing daily routines.
Why SLT is often the first move
Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) gently treats the eye’s natural drainage tissue so fluid leaves more efficiently, lowering intraocular pressure without adding more bottles to your counter. SLT has an excellent safety profile, can be repeated if pressure rises, and often lets patients reduce—or even discontinue—pressure-lowering drops. Because SLT is a medical procedure, it’s usually billed to medical insurance rather than a vision plan. Coverage varies by policy, and our team will confirm your benefits beforehand.
SLT: quick facts
- Treatment time is typically 5–10 minutes per eye.
- Anesthetic drops only—no injections.
- Most people resume normal activities the same day.
- Pressure reduction usually appears over several days to a few weeks.
- Benefits often last for years and can be repeated if needed.
What the appointment is like
You’ll sit at a slit-lamp microscope (the same kind used during routine eye exams). After numbing drops, a small contact lens helps guide the laser to the drainage tissue. Temporary blurriness for a few hours is common. We’ll arrange follow-up pressure checks to track your response.
Who may be a good candidate
SLT is frequently recommended for open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. It’s a practical choice for dependable pressure control with less day-to-day upkeep.
Watch SLT in action
See how SLT works and what to expect during treatment.
When more pressure lowering is needed
If SLT alone doesn’t reach your target pressure—or if cataract surgery is already planned—minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) can be added. These micro-incisional options enhance the eye’s natural outflow or create a gentle new pathway for fluid to leave, aiming for steady pressure control with quicker recovery than traditional surgery.
More ways to reduce eye pressure
These small-incision procedures may be considered if you need additional pressure reduction or are having cataract surgery:
- Tiny stents that help keep the outflow pathway open so fluid exits more easily.
- A brief removal or opening of the clogged filter tissue inside the eye to lower resistance.
- Gentle cleaning and widening of the main drainage canal to restore flow.
- For larger pressure goals, a very small surface shunt that directs fluid to a controlled reservoir.
A plan tailored to you
We customize recommendations based on your diagnosis, disease stage, target pressure, and whether cataract surgery is part of your care. Our constant goal: protect vision while keeping treatment as low-burden as possible.
Next step
If you have glaucoma or elevated eye pressure, SLT may be a safe and effective first step. Contact us to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and discuss the best approach for you.
