Do you or a loved one suffer from glaucoma? Are using eye drops a challenge or a hassle to keep up with?
For patients with glaucoma, intraocular pressure (IOP) control is an ongoing process. Traditional treatment involves eye drops. These drops require consistent use for best IOP control. Costs of glaucoma medications add up over time. Patients may continue on glaucoma medications indefinitely.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT), gives many patients relief from the costs of glaucoma eyedrops as well as helping to ease the burden for patients to remember to use their drops. SLT involves the use of a laser to target the “fluid drainage” component of the eye, the trabecular meshwork. SLT is a safe, in-office procedure, performed by Dr. Ballitch that causes minimal pain. The IOP lowering effect of SLT is 20-30%, comparable to front-line glaucoma eyedrops. About 80% of patient have this IOP-lowering benefit lasting 1 to 5 years, and possibly beyond 5 years. Additionally, SLT is a repeatable procedure.
For patients suffering from glaucoma, SLT may be more cost-effective and offer less hassle than traditional glaucoma therapy.
