What are the options to treat glaucoma?
We need to decrease the pressure in the eye with either eye drops, laser or incisional surgery.

Which lasers are used to treat glaucoma?
There are 2 types of laser treatment depending on the type of glaucoma you have: SLT (selective laser trabeculoplasty) and LPI (laser peripheral iridotomy).

SLT is a relatively new laser that uses low energy light to enhance the natural mechanism of fluid drainage from the eye to help treat open-angle glaucoma.

LPI is a laser that makes a small hole in the iris to help treat narrow and closed angle glaucoma.

Does SLT or LPI hurt or are there any side effects?
SLT and LPI treatments are painless. Mild discomfort, redness, headache or glare can occur 1-3 days after the procedure.

What happens during the procedure?
Eye drops are administered to prepare the eye for the procedure. The doctor places a lens on your eye and delivers pulses of light through a microscope. The entire procedure takes only a few minutes in the office. The doctor will want to check your eyes with a follow-up visit.

Do I need to continue my glaucoma eye drops following SLT?
Yes. Every patient responds differently to SLT. Dr. Chu will review your eye drops at your follow-up appointment.

How long will it take to benefit from the laser surgery?
SLT lowers the intra-ocular pressure over the next 2-4 weeks by approximately 25% in 80% of patients lasting 2 years. SLT can be repeated many times without any side effects.
LPI significantly lowers your risk of angle-closure glaucoma immediately.

Who will benefit from SLT?
Any patient suffering from open angle glaucoma, especially pseudoexfoliative or pigmentary glaucoma.
Any patient whose intra-ocular pressure continues to increase while on topical medication(s).
Any patient intolerant of topical medications.
Any patient who finds it difficult to adhere to regular topical treatment or cannot afford expensive eye drops.
Any patient who does not want to take eye drops for the rest of their lives.