Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty in Napa, CA

When pressure starts to build up in the eye (intraocular pressure), it can damage the optic nerve. This can lead to glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness. At Eye Specialists of Napa Valley, we offer our Napa, Calistoga, and Yountville, CA patients a wide range of options to treat their glaucoma, one of them being selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT). By creating inflammation in the trabecular meshwork, pressure can be relieved. This is an excellent treatment for patients with open-angle glaucoma who wish to decrease their dependency on eye drops.

Selective laser trabeculoplasty can decrease IOP and preserve the eyesight of patients struggling with glaucoma. Other benefits of this procedure include:

• A quick and effective procedure
• Reduced risk of glaucoma progressing
• Lessens the need for a future invasive eye surgery
• Does not damage trabecular meshwork
• Short recovery period

The experienced ophthalmologists at Eye Specialists of Napa Valley can determine if you are a good candidate for SLT. Typically, the best candidates for selective laser trabeculoplasty are those who have mild or moderate open-angle glaucoma whose eye pressure has not become reduced with typical treatments such as eye drops. During an eye exam, we can perform diagnostic tests and discuss your health history to decide if this glaucoma surgery in Napa, CA, is the best option for you or if another one of our glaucoma procedures can help you reduce eye pressure.

SLT for glaucoma is a minimally invasive procedure, which takes place in one of our private and comfortable treatment rooms at our Napa, CA, ophthalmology office. Our highly trained eye surgeons at Eye Specialists of Napa Valley use advanced laser technology to create inflammation in the drainage system of the eye as you sit upright in an exam chair. During the treatment, short pulses of low-energy laser light are used to target cells in the trabecular meshwork. This helps prompt the body's natural healing process, which allows the meshwork to produce new and healthy tissues that will better drain fluid from the eye. This state-of-the-art technology was specifically created — so it does not impact any other cells than those targeted. The procedure only takes a few minutes to perform. Following the procedure, you may experience a slight blur in your vision temporarily, along with some mild irritation and light sensitivity. Typically, our patients begin to experience positive effects of their procedure within one to two months, and results often last many years. Following the SLT, our team will schedule a follow-up appointment so we can check your intraocular pressure and healing process.

SLT eye surgery for glaucoma is performed at our state-of-the-art facility as an outpatient procedure. Patients undergoing an SLT procedure will be able to return home the same day. Immediately following the eye correction procedure, patients may experience blurred vision for up to 24 hours. Patients may also experience slight irritation and discomfort, but these symptoms will dissipate after a few days. Your ophthalmologist will provide detailed aftercare instructions following the procedure, which may include continued glaucoma medication or prescription eye drops. Follow-up appointments may be needed to monitor IOP and check for other glaucoma symptoms.

After SLT, patients can typically expect minimal discomfort and a relatively quick recovery. Immediately after the procedure, your eye may feel slightly irritated or gritty, and you might experience blurred vision for a few hours. These side effects are usually temporary and should resolve within a day. It’s common for eye pressure to lower gradually over the next few weeks as the laser treatment helps improve fluid drainage in the eye. You may be prescribed anti-inflammatory eye drops to reduce inflammation and prevent infection, and it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions on how to use them. Most patients can resume normal activities the following day, but strenuous activities or heavy lifting should be avoided for a few days. Regular follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor eye pressure and ensure the procedure's success.

How should I prepare for SLT?
To prepare for SLT, ensure you follow any pre-procedure instructions provided by our team, such as avoiding certain medications or eye drops. Arrange for someone to drive you home, as your vision may be slightly blurred immediately after the procedure. Additionally, discuss any concerns or medical conditions with your doctor to help ensure a smooth and effective SLT treatment.

Can I drive after a selected laser trabeculoplasty procedure?
Directly after the procedure, you won't be able to drive for at least 2 – 3 days, so it is recommended that you arrange pickup from a family member or friend. Once you're able to drive, wearing sunglasses for the first week after the surgery is highly advised. Call our team for additional information or questions you have.

How long after the procedure will it take to see results?
SLT for glaucoma will start to work, creating a chemical change in the eye tissue so that it can create better drainage quickly. However, it may take up to 1 – 3 months for you to experience the results.

What are the side effects of selected laser trabeculoplasty (SLT for glaucoma)?
Your eye is a very sensitive area. After the SLT surgery, you may experience blurred vision, redness, and some pain in the area. All of these issues are usually resolved after a few days without treatment. If you have concerns or additional questions, our team will go over them with you in your consultation.

Will my insurance cover the cost of the surgery?
This SLT for glaucoma procedure is an accepted form of glaucoma treatment that is FDA approved. The cost will likely be covered. However, it is important to check with your provider to make sure of any existing co-pays you may have. Call our team at Eye Specialists of Napa Valley to learn more.

Will I still need glaucoma medication after SLT?
After SLT, some patients may be able to reduce or even eliminate the need for glaucoma medications. However, the need for medication after SLT varies based on individual response, and some patients may still require medication to maintain optimal eye pressure.

If you have glaucoma, a selective laser trabeculoplasty in Napa, CA, may help reduce intraocular pressure and can reduce the chances of vision loss. This quick and effective procedure is minimally invasive and often suggested for those with open-angle glaucoma. At Eye Specialists of Napa Valley, we perform this procedure in our clean, state-of-the-art office. For more information or to schedule a consultation with one of our talented ophthalmologists, call our office today.