Patient Information: Glaucoma Treatment by Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) by Dr Fatima Hamroush

Dr Fatima Hamroush is a highly experienced laser surgeon.

Selective Laser Treatment - better known as “SLT” - is a painless, effortless and quick procedure that is performed by Dr Hamroush at her Drogheda Medical Eye Clinic rooms. SLT is successful at reducing high intraocular eye pressure whilst releasing you from the lifestyle weight of glaucoma medications and their side effects.

Dr Hamroush has a proven track record in delivering SLT. The results of her SLT treatments have been presented to the ICO (Irish College of Ophthalmologists) [study info available here]. Her gentle and caring approach ensures the experience is smooth for patients.

It is generally a mild treatment which is performed in an outpatient surgery centre. The effect typically lasts from one to five years and the treatment can be repeated if appropriate.

What is Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)?

SLT is a simple, effective gentle laser treatment that reduces high eye pressure.

How does SLT work?

For people who have elevated levels of fluid in their eye - ocular hypertension or glaucoma, SLT will lower the pressure in the eye. The SLT machine uses brief pulses of low-energy light targeting the eye’s normal drainage area, located in the angle between the iris (coloured part of your eye) and cornea (clear window at the front of your eye). This gently stimulates the cells in the drainage area, causing them to improve normal drainage pathways and reduce the eye pressure.

Prior to treatment, eye drops are administered to prepare the eye and provide anaesthesia. Then gentle pulses of light are delivered through a specially designed microscope while you sit comfortably and rest your chin. The entire process takes just a few minutes.

SLT Recovery

There are no restrictions on your activities after laser treatment. You are also safe to drive after treatment.

Over the next few years, you will need regular monitoring with eye pressure checks, visual field and optic nerve tests, in case the eye pressure slowly rises.

Who is best suited for SLT?

SLT is a great treatment option for you if you are newly diagnosed with raised eye pressure (ocular hypertension) or glaucoma, also if you find drops bothersome, uncomfortable or difficult to administer or remember. For those who find regularly daily taking of eye drops cumbersome, then long-lasting laser treatment can be made available to you.

SLT is also a great option if you have watery, itchy, red or uncomfortable eyes, as eye drops can worsen these symptoms.

For how long does the pressure-lowering effect last?

The effect of SLT can last many years (on average 3-4 years), but may begin to wear off after 12-18 months; hence ongoing monitoring is important.

For more information, please see this SLT information booklet (pdf).