Modern Glaucoma Treatment: Beyond Daily Drops
Glaucoma care has progressed well past a drops-only routine. Many eye doctors now begin with office-based laser therapy and micro-incision procedures that safely lower eye pressure and lighten day-to-day upkeep.
Why SLT is often the first step
Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) gently activates the eye’s natural drainage pathway so fluid exits more easily, lowering intraocular pressure without adding more bottles to your counter. SLT has an excellent safety profile, can be repeated if pressure rises, and often lets patients reduce—or even stop—pressure-lowering drops. Because SLT is a medical procedure, it’s typically billed to medical insurance rather than a vision plan. Coverage varies by policy, and our team will verify your benefits beforehand.
SLT: what to expect at a glance
- Time in the chair is usually about 5–10 minutes per eye.
- Numbing (anesthetic) drops only — no injections.
- Most people return to normal activities the same day.
- Pressure improvement typically appears over several days to a few weeks.
- Benefits commonly last for years and can be repeated if needed.
What the appointment is like
You’ll sit at a slit-lamp microscope (the same instrument used during routine exams). After numbing drops, a small contact lens helps guide the laser to the drainage tissue. Temporary blurriness for a few hours is common. We’ll schedule follow-up pressure checks to monitor your response.
Who may be a good candidate
SLT is frequently recommended for open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. It’s a practical option for dependable pressure control with less day-to-day maintenance.
Watch SLT in action
See how SLT works and what to expect during treatment.
When more pressure lowering is needed
If SLT alone doesn’t reach your target pressure—or if cataract surgery is already planned—minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) can be added. These micro-incisional options enhance the eye’s natural outflow or create a controlled new pathway for fluid to leave, aiming for steady pressure control with a faster recovery than traditional surgery.
More ways to reduce eye pressure
These small-incision procedures may be considered if you need additional pressure reduction or are having cataract surgery:
- Micro-stents that help prop the drainage pathway open so fluid exits more easily.
- Targeted removal or opening of clogged filter tissue inside the eye to reduce resistance.
- Gentle cleaning and widening of the main drainage canal to restore flow.
- For larger pressure goals, a tiny surface shunt that directs fluid to a protected reservoir.
Care designed around you
We tailor recommendations to your diagnosis, disease stage, target pressure, and whether cataract surgery is part of the plan. Our constant aim is to protect vision while keeping treatment as low-burden as possible.
Next step
If you have glaucoma or elevated eye pressure, SLT may be a safe and effective starting point. Contact us to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and discuss the best approach for you.
