|  | | | SLT-SELECTIVE LASER TRABECULOPLASTY |  |
 |
GLAUCOMA is a degenerative disease that if left untreated can cause permanent damage to the optic nerve resulting in gradual vision loss and eventual blindness.
Damage to the optic nerve, due to glaucoma, is usually caused by an elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Clear fluid, called aqueous humor circulates through the eye providing nourishment to the tissues pressure to help maintain the shape of the eye.
Open Angle Glaucoma (OAG), occurs when there is an increase in fluid production or a decrease in fluid drainage. Over time, as the optic nerve fibers are destroyed, peripheral (side) vision is lost.
BLOCKED FLUID FLOW
Aqueous humor flows out of the eye through the Trabecular Meshwork (TM), near the edge of the iris. If the TM is blocked, restricting drainage, the pressure inside the eye increases. This elevated pressure results in damage to the optic nerve and vision loss occurs.
TREATMENT OF OPEN ANGLE GLAUCOMA
OAG treatment concentrates on lowering the pressure inside the eye to prevent damage to the optic nerve. The most common treatments for glaucoma have been the use of medications (in the form of eye drops of pills), laser therapy or surgery.
SELECTIVE LASER TRABECULOPLASTY (SLT)
SLT does not rely on medicines, instead, uses an advanced laser system to target only specific cells of the eye - those containing melanin, a natural pigment. This allows for only these cells to be affected, leaving surrounging tissue intact. As a result, your body's own healing response helps lower the pressure in your eye.
BENEFITS OF SLT
SAFE: SLT is not associated with systemic side effects or the compliance and cost issues of medications.
SELECTIVE: SLT utilizes selective photothermolysis to target only specific cells, leaving the surrounding tissue intact.
SMART: SLT stimulates the body's natural mechanisms to enhance outflow of the fluid in your eye.
SENSIBLE: SLT therapy is reimbursed by Medicare and many other insurance providers, which minimizes your out-of-pocket expenses.
HOW SLT WORKS
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is an advancement over other lasers that have been used safely and effectively in the treatment of open-angle glaucoma for more than two decades.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
How often do I need to receive SLT treatments?
Successes with SLT vary. You will need to consult your doctor to inquire about follow-up treatments.
How does SLT work?
SLT works by using laser light to stimulate the body's own healing response to lower your eye pressure. Using a special wavelength and energy, the laser affects only pigmented (melanin containing) cells of your eye. SLT improves the flow of fluid in the eye, which in turn lowers your eye pressure.
Is SLT right for me?
Only your doctor knows what is best for your individual needs. SLT may be the right option for you, simply ask your doctor to find out more.
To learn more go to: www.glaucomaslt.com
TO MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT CALL 415-923-3007, OR E-MAIL YOUR REQUEST TO: EYESERVICES@PACIFICEYE.COM |
| |
| | |
PACIFIC EYE ASSOCIATES : SELECTIVE LASER TRABECULOPLASTY
Top
