Glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss, and early, effective treatment is essential to preserving eyesight. At Eye Care Professionals in Reno, Nevada, we offer Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) as a safe, effective way to lower eye pressure — either as an alternative to daily eye drops or in addition to medication therapy.
SLT is a non-invasive, in-office laser procedure that helps improve the eye’s natural drainage system without surgery or incisions, making it a popular option for many glaucoma patients throughout Reno and Northern Nevada.
What Is Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty?
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a laser treatment used to manage open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Rather than relying solely on prescription eye drops, SLT lowers intraocular pressure (IOP) by improving the flow of fluid out of the eye.
Fluid inside the eye drains through a structure called the trabecular meshwork. When this drainage system becomes inefficient, pressure builds and can damage the optic nerve. SLT gently stimulates this tissue to restore better drainage and lower pressure.
How SLT Works
SLT uses low-energy laser pulses that selectively target pigmented cells in the trabecular meshwork without damaging surrounding tissue. This selective approach triggers a natural healing response that improves fluid outflow over time.
Key benefits of SLT include:
- No incisions or surgery
- Minimal discomfort
- Preservation of the eye’s natural anatomy
- Ability to repeat the procedure if needed
SLT as an Alternative to Glaucoma Eye Drops
For many patients at Eye Care Professionals, SLT can be used as a first-line treatment for glaucoma. This allows some patients to reduce or eliminate the need for daily prescription eye drops.
SLT may be a good option if you:
- Have difficulty remembering to use eye drops
- Experience burning, redness, or irritation from medications
- Struggle with proper drop administration
- Want to reduce long-term medication costs
SLT typically lowers eye pressure by 20–30%, comparable to many glaucoma medications, and results can last for several years in some patients.
Using SLT in Combination With Medications
SLT is also commonly used alongside glaucoma eye drops. If medications alone are not adequately controlling eye pressure, SLT can provide additional pressure reduction.
This combined approach may:
- Improve overall eye pressure stability
- Reduce the number of medications required
- Delay the need for glaucoma surgery
What to Expect During SLT at Eye Care Professionals
SLT is performed in-office at our Reno location and usually takes 5 to 10 minutes per eye. Numbing drops are used, and no injections or incisions are required. Most patients experience little to no discomfort.
Vision typically returns to normal within a few hours, and most patients can resume normal activities the same day.
How Long Do SLT Results Last?
Eye pressure reduction usually begins within days to weeks following treatment. While results vary, SLT often remains effective for one to five years. Because the trabecular meshwork is not damaged, SLT can often be safely repeated if pressure rises again.
Who Is a Good Candidate for SLT?
SLT is most commonly recommended for patients with:
- Primary open-angle glaucoma
- Ocular hypertension
- Pigmentary glaucoma
- Pseudoexfoliative glaucoma
Your eye doctor at Eye Care Professionals in Reno will determine if SLT is appropriate based on your specific diagnosis and eye health.
Frequently Asked Questions About SLT in Reno, NV
Is SLT painful?
Most patients report little to no discomfort during SLT. Numbing drops are used, and the procedure is very quick.
How long does SLT take?
The laser treatment typically takes 5–10 minutes per eye, plus a short preparation and recovery period.
Will I still need glaucoma eye drops after SLT?
Some patients can stop drops entirely, while others may still need one or more medications. SLT often reduces the number of drops required.
How soon will my eye pressure go down?
Eye pressure usually begins to decrease within a few days to a few weeks after treatment.
Is SLT covered by insurance?
In most cases, SLT is covered by Medicare and private insurance when medically indicated for glaucoma treatment. Coverage can vary, so it’s best to confirm with your provider.
Can SLT be repeated?
Yes. Because SLT does not damage the trabecular meshwork, it can often be safely repeated if eye pressure rises again.
Is SLT safer than glaucoma surgery?
SLT is much less invasive than traditional glaucoma surgery and carries significantly fewer risks. It is often used before considering surgical options.
