Modern Glaucoma Treatments
Today’s Advances in Glaucoma Care
Glaucoma management has moved beyond a “drops-only” approach. Many specialists now begin with in-office lasers and small-incision procedures that safely lower eye pressure while reducing day-to-day hassle.
Why SLT is often the first step
Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) gently treats the eye’s natural drainage system so fluid exits more easily, lowering intraocular pressure without adding more bottles to your routine. SLT has an excellent safety record, can be repeated if pressure creeps up, and often allows patients to reduce—or even stop—pressure-lowering drops. Because SLT is a medical procedure, it is typically billed to medical insurance rather than a vision plan. Benefits vary by policy, and our team will help verify your coverage in advance.
SLT at a glance
- Procedure time is usually about 5–10 minutes per eye.
- Numbing drops are used—no injections.
- Most people return to normal activities the same day.
- Pressure improvement typically appears over days to a few weeks.
- Results often last for years and can be repeated if needed.
What the visit is like
You’ll sit at a slit-lamp microscope, just like a routine eye exam. After numbing drops, a small contact lens helps guide the laser to the drainage tissue. Mild blurriness for a few hours is common. We’ll schedule follow-up pressure checks to confirm your response.
Who may be a good candidate
SLT is commonly recommended for open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. It’s a practical choice for patients seeking reliable pressure control with fewer daily steps.
Watch SLT in action
Learn how SLT works and what to expect during treatment.
If more pressure lowering is needed
If SLT alone doesn’t reach your target pressure—or if you’re already planning cataract surgery—minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) can be added. These small-incision procedures enhance the eye’s natural outflow or create a gentle new pathway for fluid to drain, aiming for steady pressure control and a faster recovery than traditional surgery.
Additional small-incision options
These procedures 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 your needs
We personalize recommendations based on your diagnosis, disease stage, target pressure, and whether cataract surgery is part of your plan. Our goal is constant: protect vision while minimizing the burden on your daily life.
Ready for the next step?
If you have glaucoma or elevated eye pressure, SLT may be a safe and effective starting point. Contact us to schedule an exam and discuss the best approach for you.
