Laser Treatment for Eye Pressure – SLT
Laser treatment for eye pressure is a treatment method used to keep glaucoma under control.
Glaucoma, popularly known as eye-pressure is the inability to ensure the normal flow of this fluid due to the problem in the channels that provide the absorption of the aqueous humor fluid produced in order to protect and nourish the lens of the eye, and the pressure inside the eye increases. When this increase becomes persistent, compression occurs in the optic nerves, which play an important role in visual function. It is not possible for the optic nerves to renew or repair themselves due to the structure of these nerves. Advanced vision problems can be prevented with various treatments. Therefore, when glaucoma is not controlled, irreversible vision problems occur. Early diagnosis and treatment are important in patients suffering from glaucoma (eye pressure). Laser treatment (SLT) for eye pressure can be applied to glaucoma patients who do not respond adequately to drug treatment and have serious problems due to the side effects of the drugs used.
SUBJECT TITLES
What is Laser Treatment (SLT) for Eye Pressure?
SLT (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty), also known as laser treatment for eye tension, is used in the treatment of open-angle glaucoma It is a practical and highly effective laser treatment method used to reduce intraocular pressure. It can be applied by an ophthalmologist in a very short time in an office setting. With laser treatment for eye pressure, intraocular pressure can be reduced by 25-30% in the majority of patients. SLT is an alternative method to drug treatment and surgical intervention that can be reapplied when necessary, is easy for the patient to apply.
How is Laser Therapy (SLT) Applied for Eye Pressure?
SLT treatment is performed under clinic conditions. It is not a procedure that requires any surgical intervention and is a procedure performed in the patient chair without entering the operating room. At the beginning of the treatment, the patient's eye is anesthetized using anesthetic drops. In this way, the patient does not feel any pain or ache during the procedure. After numbness occurs, laser treatment is applied to the trabecular area, where the intraocular fluid exits, for between 40 seconds and 1 minute. The aim of the treatment is to widen the blocked and narrowed channels. Anti-inflammatory eye drops are used to prevent inflammation in the patient's eyes after the laser procedure. The patient is kept under surveillance for a few hours after the application to monitor the intraocular pressure and to prevent any complications. After the application is completed, the patient continues his daily activities normally.
How Does SLT Affect Eye Pressure?
Narrowings and blockages in the channels through whichaqueous humor fluid is absorbed are the main cause of glaucoma. With laser treatment for eye pressure, low doses of laser beam affect the blocked canals. As a result of this effect, a number of chemical and biological changes occur in these cells. Thus, expansion occurs in the channels through which the humor fluid is absorbed. The treatment effect is to accelerate the export of aqueous humor and reduce the increased pressure inside the eye. SLT can show its real effect 1-3 months after application. In the majority of patients, intraocular blood pressure decreases by 25-30%. This is at the same levels as prostaglandin analogues, which are among the most effective glaucoma medications used. If the patient is currently using glaucoma medication, a decrease in this level can be observed. The effect of the treatment can last between 1-5 years. When the treatment begins to lose its effect after a certain period of time, it is possible to repeat the SLT application.
Who Can Apply to Laser Treatment (SLT) for Eye Pressure?
- Patients with open-angle glaucoma and patients who have not responded to drug treatment,
- Receiving adequate drug therapy for glaucoma treatment but to patients who have not responded to the treatment at the desired level,
- Patients who have a high risk of glaucoma in ocular hypertension and whose intraocular pressure is deemed appropriate to control without using medication,
- Patients whose side effects of the medications they use affect their daily lives,
- It is applied as the first treatment method to patients who have not started drug treatment after the diagnosis of glaucoma.
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Are There Any Risks of SLT Treatment?
Laser treatment for eye pressure has very few side effects. Side effects may vary from patient to patient. From this perspective, it does not pose any risk. A very slight inflammation may occur immediately after the application. This side effect can be eliminated within a few days with anti-inflammation drops. In some cases, intraocular blood pressure may rise to very low levels. This decrease and short-term increase immediately after the treatment is considered a normal situation. This increase can be controlled in a short time with various drug supports.
After SLT Application
After SLT application, patients are examined on the 1st day, 1st week and 1st week. At the end of the month, the eye pressure should be checked. Afterwards, the routine control period increases to 4 to 6 months. During this process, it is important that the patient does not skip regular physician check-ups. Certain amounts of vision loss due to glaucoma can be regained after SLT treatment. In some patients, a decrease in intraocular pressure can be achieved by applying only laser treatment, while in others, medication may be required to reach the targeted levels. It should be known that laser treatment for eye pressure, like medication and surgery, is not a permanent treatment for glaucoma. Therefore, it is important for the glaucoma patient to be regularly checked by an ophthalmologist for the rest of his life.