In-Office
Numbing & Lens Placement
The eye is numbed and a lens is placed on it to direct the laser beam to its proper place — the trabecular meshwork, the eye's drainage system.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a safe, effective, in-office laser procedure that lowers eye pressure by helping aqueous humor drain out of the eye. Berg-Feinfield Vision Correction offers SLT for glaucoma, serving the greater Beverly Hills and Burbank, CA areas.
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What Is SLT?
The goal of glaucoma treatment is to lower the eye pressure, and Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty accomplishes this in a safe and effective manner.
SLT lowers eye pressure by helping aqueous humor drain out of the eye. It is a good option for many patients because it is safe, works on its own once performed, and avoids the systemic effects that can come with daily eye drops.
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What to Expect During SLT
SLT is performed right in the office and takes only a few minutes, with little to no discomfort.
Fast
Only a Few Minutes
The laser takes only a few minutes to perform, making SLT a very fast procedure that is over quickly.
Comfortable
Little to No Discomfort
You will feel no pain during treatment. Some patients notice slight discomfort, and you may see a green flash of light as the laser is applied.
How SLT Works
SLT uses a precise burst of energy to gently open the eye's drainage system without harming the surrounding tissue.
The laser employs a specific wavelength of energy delivered in a very short duration — about 3 nanoseconds. This burst of energy is absorbed only by the melanin-containing, or pigmented, cells found in the drainage system, while the surrounding tissues are left unaffected.
The body then clears away these pigmented cells, and the overall effect is to open the drain. With the drainage system working more efficiently, more fluid is able to leave the eye, so the eye pressure goes down.
Benefits of SLT
For many patients, SLT offers meaningful advantages over relying on daily glaucoma drops.
No Systemic Effects
Gentle on the Body
Unlike drops, which are absorbed by the eye as well as the body, SLT is not associated with systemic side effects.
No Compliance Worries
Works 24 Hours a Day
There are no drops to remember. Once performed, the laser works on its own, 24 hours a day.
Covered
Medicare & Most Insurance
The SLT procedure is covered by Medicare and most health insurance plans.
Results & Longevity
SLT's full effect develops gradually, and a follow-up visit confirms how well it worked.
The full effect of SLT sometimes takes about a month to take hold, and a follow-up visit will determine how effective the treatment was. If glaucoma is present in both eyes, the laser is performed one eye at a time.
The laser generally lasts for several years and may be repeated in the future if the effect wears off. SLT works in most kinds of glaucoma, but not all.
SLT works in most kinds of glaucoma but not all; your ophthalmologist can determine whether it is a good option for you.
Why Choose Berg-Feinfield
Our ophthalmologists use SLT as a safe, effective way to lower eye pressure and reduce reliance on daily drops.
Because SLT is quick, comfortable, and free of systemic side effects, it fits easily into your life while working around the clock to protect your vision. From evaluation through follow-up, our team guides you at every step with the goal of keeping your eye pressure under control.
Explore Glaucoma TreatmentSLT lowers eye pressure without daily drops, working on its own 24 hours a day. For many patients, it is a simple, effective step toward protecting their vision.
Our experienced ophthalmologists can determine whether Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty is right for you.
SLT FAQs
Answers to common questions about Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty at Berg-Feinfield.
What is Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty?
SLT is a laser procedure that lowers eye pressure in a safe and effective manner by helping aqueous humor drain out of the eye. It is performed in the office setting.
Does SLT hurt?
During the treatment you will feel no pain. Occasionally some patients feel a slight discomfort, but because the procedure is very quick, it is over in no time. You may see a green flash of light during treatment.
How long does it take to work?
The full effect of SLT sometimes takes about a month to take hold. A follow-up visit will determine how effective the treatment was. If both eyes are affected, the laser is performed one eye at a time.
Is SLT covered by insurance?
Yes. The SLT procedure is covered by Medicare and most health insurance plans.
How long does SLT last, and can it be repeated?
The laser generally lasts for several years and may be repeated in the future if the effect wears off. SLT works in most kinds of glaucoma, but not all.
Schedule Your SLT Consultation
Ready to lower your eye pressure without daily drops? Request an appointment or call our team to find out if Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty is right for you at Berg-Feinfield Vision Correction.