Modern Glaucoma Treatments
Innovative Glaucoma Care: Beyond Daily Drops
Glaucoma treatment has moved beyond a “drops-first” routine. Many eye doctors now begin with in-office lasers and tiny-incision procedures that safely lower eye pressure and reduce day-to-day maintenance.
Why SLT is a common first choice
Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) gently treats the eye’s natural drainage tissue so fluid exits more easily, lowering intraocular pressure without adding more bottles to your counter. SLT has a strong safety record, can be repeated if pressure rises, and often allows patients to cut back on or even stop pressure-lowering drops. Because SLT is a medical procedure, it’s typically billed to medical insurance rather than a vision plan. Coverage varies by policy, and our team will help confirm your benefits ahead of time.
SLT at a glance
- Procedure time is usually about 5–10 minutes per eye.
- Numbing drops only—no injections are used.
- Most people resume normal activities the same day.
- Pressure improvement typically appears over days to a few weeks.
- Benefits often last for years and can be refreshed later if needed.
What the visit is like
You’ll sit at a slit-lamp microscope, just like during a routine eye exam. After numbing drops, a small contact lens helps guide the laser to the drainage tissue. Temporary blur for a few hours is common. We’ll schedule follow-up pressure checks to confirm your response.
Who might be a candidate
SLT is frequently recommended for open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. It’s a practical option for those seeking dependable pressure control with fewer daily steps.
Watch SLT in action
See how SLT works and what to expect during treatment.
If you need additional pressure lowering
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 procedures improve the eye’s natural outflow or create a gentle new path for fluid to exit, aiming for steady pressure control with a quicker recovery than traditional surgery.
More ways to reduce eye pressure
These small-incision options may be considered if you need further pressure reduction or are having cataract surgery:
- Micro-stents that help keep the drainage pathway open so fluid exits more easily.
- Brief removal of clogged filter tissue inside the eye to reduce resistance.
- Gentle cleaning and widening of the main drainage channel to restore flow.
- For eyes needing a larger pressure drop, a very small surface shunt that routes fluid to a safe reservoir.
Care tailored to you
We personalize recommendations based on your diagnosis, disease stage, target pressure, and whether cataract surgery is part of the plan. The goal is always the same: protect vision while minimizing the burden on your daily life.
Next step
If you have glaucoma or elevated eye pressure, SLT may be a safe and effective first step. Contact us to schedule an exam and discuss the best plan for you.
