Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) procedure

Posted by evw100 @ew100, Jul 11, 2019

Saw my ophthalmologist this morning, Latanoprost eye drops only help reducing my eye pressure from 23 to 20. He would like my eye pressure to go down to 14. He can add another eye drop Timolol, which is a beta blocker or I can have SLT procedure.
If you had SLT done, would you please share your experiences and results? Thanks so much for helping!

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@lizziemnz

As mentioned above, I have had SLT twice, 5 years apart. I am lucky enough not to need drops at this stage, I visit my ophthalmologist regularly two or three times a year when he does various scans and tests. He has never at any stage suggested having SLT as a maintenance procedure.

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From what I understand thee more SLT procedures you have the less effective they become according to all of the experts. So why not wait until really needed to use that Silver Bullet ? I could live with a five year separation. I would be very happy to visit my Dr. only twice a year. Again it seems they wish to see you at the "Medicare" intervals when they will pay for them. Would be nice to eliminate all of some of the drops at this point. I wish yout he best and continued success and thanks for the reply. Veey much appreciated.

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I had my second SLT about 4 months ago. It had been at least 10 years before that for the first. It did lower my pressure 2-3 points so I think it was worth it. I understand the SLT usually gets less effective if you keep repeating it, but 2-3 times may well be worth it. I've also been on 4 eye drops to try and keep pressure below 15: combigan, dorzolimide, lumigan, and rhopressa. When the drops and SLT quit working, then it will be time for surgery..

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In reply to @app0568 "ok" + (show)
@app0568

@app0568 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, a place to give and get support.

May I ask what brings you to connect? I ask so I might be able to connect you will members and discussions that interest you.

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I was not sure how to post so I got my son to help me. I had SLT on February 15th as my pressure was 29/30 .I was on Azopt and betoptic s and he said they stopped working. I am still on azopt and on February 22nd. he checked my pressure and it was 16/17. He wants do it it again in 6 months to give me no drops. I am concerned, as this machine is in his office and the procedure is paid by the government every 6 months and I dont want to keep repeating SLT. I have hyper ocular pressure for 20 years.

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@lizziemnz

I have had SLT treatment for glaucoma twice with great success and no side effects. The first time was in 2007 and the second time in 2012, apparently it can be repeated as often as necessary. I hope this is not too late to be useful to you. Good luck.

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lizziemnz
Glad to hear you had success with multiple SLT treatments. I'm now scheduled to have 2nd treatment after 5 years as my pressures have started to rise again.

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@lizziemnz

I have had SLT treatment for glaucoma twice with great success and no side effects. The first time was in 2007 and the second time in 2012, apparently it can be repeated as often as necessary. I hope this is not too late to be useful to you. Good luck.

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I am scheduled to have my first SLT next month. The doctor indicated that she does the 180° instead of the 360° to minimize inflammation that could trigger pressure spike. Anyone ever heard of this?

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I am new to this Mayo connect site, so forgive me if I posted my initial comment as a reply… Oops! I am scheduled for my first SLT next month. My doctor stated that she does the procedure at 180° instead of 360° to minimize inflammation and prevent pressure spike. Anyone ever heard of this?

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I am new to this site, so I am a bit confused as to how to post comments. I thought my comments posted but I don’t see them. anyways, I am scheduled for my first SLT next month, due to elevated ocular pressure. My doctor stated that she does the procedure at 180° instead of 360° to minimize information and prevent pressure spike. Has anyone ever heard of this?

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@lindens

I am scheduled to have my first SLT next month. The doctor indicated that she does the 180° instead of the 360° to minimize inflammation that could trigger pressure spike. Anyone ever heard of this?

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Hi Lizziemnz
I've been fighting glaucoma for 30 years now. I just had SLT treatment within the last month for the second time. My pressures going in were 13 and after were 9 so I can recommend it. It did not hurt, but my eyes were a little blurry for a while.
Don

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