- Glaucoma laser treatment can help lower eye pressure by improving fluid drainage or changing how fluid moves through the eye.
- Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, or SLT, is commonly used for open-angle glaucoma.
- Laser Peripheral Iridotomy, or LPI, is often used when narrow angles create a risk of angle closure.
If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma, your treatment plan may include medication, glaucoma laser treatment, surgery, or a combination of approaches. The goal is to control eye pressure and protect the optic nerve from further damage. Glaucoma laser surgery may sound intimidating, but many laser procedures are performed in an outpatient setting and require no incisions or stitches.
How Glaucoma Laser Treatment Works
Glaucoma is often associated with increased pressure inside the eye when fluid does not drain as effectively as it should. Laser treatment uses focused light energy to target specific structures involved in fluid drainage. The procedure selected depends on the type of glaucoma, the eye’s anatomy, current eye pressure, and how the condition has responded to other treatment.
Laser treatment does not cure glaucoma. Instead, it is one tool our ophthalmologists may use to help manage eye pressure and reduce the risk of additional optic nerve damage.
SLT for Open Angle Glaucoma
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, commonly called SLT, targets the trabecular meshwork, which is part of the eye’s natural drainage system. The laser encourages biological changes that can help fluid leave the eye more efficiently.
SLT is generally used for open-angle glaucoma. It may be considered as an initial treatment or used alongside glaucoma medications. Because every patient responds differently, follow-up pressure checks are important to determine how well the treatment is working and whether additional care is needed.
LPI for Narrow Angles and Angle Closure Risk
Laser Peripheral Iridotomy, or LPI, is used for patients with anatomically narrow angles or certain forms of angle-closure glaucoma. During the procedure, the laser creates a very small opening in the iris. This opening provides another pathway for fluid to move through the eye and can help prevent a dangerous rise in eye pressure caused by angle closure.
For patients who are at risk, LPI may be recommended as a preventive procedure. It can also be used when angle closure requires urgent treatment.
What to Expect During and After Laser Treatment
Most glaucoma laser procedures are completed in the office. Numbing drops are typically used before treatment, and patients may notice bright flashes of light or mild pressure during the procedure. Temporary blurred vision, irritation, or soreness may occur afterward.
Your ophthalmologist will provide instructions based on the procedure and your individual eye health. You may need follow-up visits to check eye pressure, and some patients continue using glaucoma medications after successful laser treatment.
Personalized Glaucoma Care in the Tampa Bay Area
There is no single laser procedure that is right for every person with glaucoma. At Advanced Cataract & Glaucoma Care, PLLC, we evaluate the type and severity of glaucoma, eye anatomy, treatment history, and pressure goals before recommending care.
If you have questions about SLT, LPI, or other glaucoma treatment options, contact us to schedule a consultation. We can explain the benefits, possible risks, and next steps based on your individual needs.
