Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT): Effective, No-Downtime Glaucoma Treatment Covered by Medicare
If you’re searching for a safe, effective way to manage glaucoma without the hassle of daily eye drops, Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) may be the solution for you. SLT is a Medicare-covered, non-invasive laser treatment for glaucoma that reduces intraocular pressure (IOP) by enhancing the eye’s natural fluid outflow. With no downtime required, this laser glaucoma treatment allows you to return to your regular activities right after the procedure.
What is SLT and How Does It Work to Lower Eye Pressure?
SLT, or Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, is a laser treatment for open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. By targeting the trabecular meshwork, the eye’s drainage tissue, SLT uses low-energy laser pulses to stimulate a biochemical change, which improves the natural fluid outflow from the eye. This laser eye treatment for glaucoma typically reduces IOP by about 20–25%, similar to the effectiveness of many glaucoma medications.
Benefits of SLT Laser Treatment for Glaucoma Patients
SLT offers many advantages over traditional glaucoma eye drops:
- Convenience: SLT reduces or even eliminates the need for daily eye drops, which can be challenging for some patients to keep up with consistently.
- Cost-Effective Solution: With coverage by Medicare and most insurance carriers, SLT can be more affordable than long-term eye drop use.
- Fewer Side Effects: Unlike some glaucoma medications, SLT avoids the common side effects of dryness, irritation, and redness.
- Quick and No-Downtime Procedure: SLT takes about 10–15 minutes and doesn’t require recovery time, allowing you to return to daily activities immediately.
Why Choose SLT Over Eye Drops for Glaucoma Management
For patients with open-angle glaucoma, SLT can serve as a first-line or adjunctive treatment to reduce the dependency on eye drops. By choosing SLT, patients gain an effective, low-maintenance solution that still controls intraocular pressure. Additionally, the LiGHT Trial—a major study on glaucoma treatments—supports SLT as equally effective as drops, with many patients needing no further medication for years following treatment.
Safe and Non-Invasive Laser Glaucoma Treatment
SLT is widely regarded as a safe, non-invasive laser procedure for glaucoma with a low risk of complications. Some patients may experience mild eye redness or temporary vision changes immediately after treatment, but these effects usually resolve within a day. In rare cases, SLT can cause a transient increase in IOP, which is manageable with medication.
What to Expect During the SLT Procedure
SLT is a quick, in-office procedure that generally takes about 10–15 minutes. During the treatment:
- Anesthetic drops are applied to numb the eye.
- A special contact lens is used to focus the laser on the trabecular meshwork.
- Patients may see flashes of light and experience slight pressure but generally find the procedure very tolerable.
Most patients resume their normal activities immediately after the procedure. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor eye pressure and determine if any additional medications are necessary.
Covered by Medicare and Most Insurances
A major benefit of SLT is that it is covered by nearly all insurance carriers and is always covered by Medicare. This makes SLT an accessible and cost-effective option for individuals seeking a long-term solution for glaucoma management without the ongoing expense of eye drops.
The LiGHT Trial: Evidence Supporting SLT for Glaucoma Treatment
The Laser in Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension (LiGHT) Trial is a groundbreaking study supporting the effectiveness of SLT as a primary treatment for glaucoma. Key findings from this study include:
- Effectiveness: SLT was shown to be as effective as eye drops for IOP control, providing a reliable alternative for glaucoma management.
- Quality of Life: Patients reported higher quality of life with SLT due to the reduced need for daily drops.
- Long-Term Control: About 75% of patients who underwent SLT didn’t require medication for at least three years after the procedure.
- Cost-Effectiveness and Safety: The study found SLT to be a safe and cost-effective solution for glaucoma, with very low complication rates.
The LiGHT Trial has led many ophthalmologists to recommend SLT as a first-line treatment for glaucoma, offering patients a proven, Medicare-covered laser solution that can reduce the need for daily medications.
Why Patients Choose Restoration Eye Care for SLT Glaucoma Treatment
At Restoration Eye Care, we prioritize patient comfort, safety, and the latest in glaucoma laser surgery options. Our experienced ophthalmologists are dedicated to helping patients find the best treatment for their individual needs. With SLT, we offer a no-downtime, non-invasive glaucoma procedure that is both effective and accessible.
For more information about SLT or to schedule a consultation, contact us today to discuss how this innovative glaucoma treatment can help you manage your eye health.