Catch glaucoma early to save your sight
Gain peace of mind in 3 easy steps
Selective laser trabeculoplasty gives you peace of mind
If you’d like to know the ins and outs of selective laser trabeculoplasty we have all the information you need below
SLT suitability criteria
You may be a good candidate for selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) if:
- You have primary open-angle, pseudoexfoliation, or pigmentary glaucoma. (If you’re not sure, ask your ophthalmologist.)
- You are intolerant of glaucoma medications or have difficulty taking them as prescribed.
- You are currently undergoing glaucoma drug therapy and wish to combine it with SLT.
- It is difficult for you to commit to regular follow-up treatments such as lack of transportation, or other limitations.
- You have a history of unsuccessful ALT (argon laser trabeculoplasty) treatment.
How SLT works
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a simple yet effective laser procedure that reduces the intraocular pressure inside the eye.
SLT can be used as the first treatment once glaucoma is diagnosed, avoiding the usual need for daily eye drops. It may be used in patients already on eye drops to allow them to stop or reduce their eye drops if found to be inconvenient or if side effects are a problem. Finally, it can be used in an attempt to avoid the need for glaucoma surgery if eye drops are not controlling the pressure well enough.
SLT uses short pulses of low-energy light to target the melanin, or pigment, in specific cells of the affected eye. In response, the body’s natural healing mechanisms rebuild these cells. This rebuilding process improves drainage and lowers intraocular pressure. The surrounding, non-pigmented cells, as well as the rest of the eye structure, are untouched and undamaged.
How often can I have SLT done?
SLT is gentle and non-invasive, which allows the procedure to be repeated if necessary.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Effective in lowering your eye pressure
- Quick and painless procedure
- Can avoid or reduce your need for eye drops
- Can be repeated
Disadvantages
- No laser procedure is entirely risk free
- The success of the treatment is dependent on other treatment steps being effective
SLT risks
Risks include:
- Inflammation in eye
- Swelling of cornea (window of eye)
- Reduced vision
SLT options and alternatives
For those that do not respond to SLT, other forms of treatment, including eye drops or glaucoma surgery are alternatives.
SLT steps
I perform SLT in the clinic as a day treatment. The entire process takes just 5 to 10 minutes.
Step one: Before treatment, I administer eye drops to prepare and numb the eye.
Step two: I then position a contact lens onto the eye, which helps to target the laser and hold the eyelids out of the way.
Step three: The laser delivers gentle pulses of light through a specially designed microscope.
You will need to have your eye pressure checked six weeks later.
SLT results
SLT lowers intraocular pressure by an average of 25% in up to 75% of patients treated. It does wear off in some patients, and the success rate at three years is approximately 50%.
Have you been diagnosed with glaucoma or know you’re at higher risk?
I can put your mind at ease and help you take charge of your vision
Affiliations and Memberships
We are proud to be a part of these professional bodies
YAG PI laser treatment for glaucoma puts your mind at ease
If you’d like to know the ins and outs of YAG PI laser treatment for glaucoma we have all the information you need below
YAG PI suitability criteria
You may be suitable for YAG PI laser treatment for glaucoma if we establish in your assessment that your drainage angles are narrow or at risk of being blocked.
We can determine the angle structure with an examination called “gonioscopy” which we perform with a special contact lens.
How YAG PI works
In a healthy eye, fluid is produced inside the eye and drains out at a relatively constant rate, so the pressure of the eye remains stable. However, in some people, particularly those who are “farsighted” (hypermetropia) or East Asian origin, the drain inside the eye (called the angle) can start to close. We refer to this as “narrow angles”.
Narrow angles are a risk factor for angle-closure glaucoma.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- The procedure can reduce the risk of angle closure glaucoma
- The procedure takes less than 5 minutes to perform
Disadvantages
- The procedure may not work for everyone
- No laser procedure is entirely risk free
YAG PI risks
The risks of YAG laser iridotomy include:
- Inflammation in eye
- Bleeding (resolves within days)
- Swelling of the cornea (window of the eye)
- Reduced vision
- Glare/halos/streaks around lights
- Increased eye pressure
YAG PI options and alternatives
An alternative to laser treatment for glaucoma is surgical iridectomy, a procedure in which we surgically remove part of the iris.
YAG PI steps
I perform laser treatment for glaucoma in the clinic as a day treatment. The entire process takes just 5 to 10 minutes.
Step one: Before treatment, I administer eye drops to prepare and “numb” the eye.
Step two: I then position a special contact lens onto the eye, which helps to target the laser and hold the eyelids out of the way.
Step three: I will give you anti-inflammatory eye drops to use
I will check your eyes 1-2 weeks later to ensure the treatment is effective.
YAG PI results
Laser Iridotomy is intended to preserve the vision and prevent glaucoma from appearing or progressing.
Please note, It is not laser vision correction so will not improve your vision.
My patients across Northwest England and North Wales are relieved to prevent vision loss from glaucoma
I’ve helped thousands of people in Northwest England and North Wales enjoy a better life without glasses, contact lenses and eye conditions
Discover everything you need to know about me and my clinic
In these videos, I explain what makes my service stand out from the crowd
TOP 10 Reasons to choose Dan Nguyen
Are you considering cataract surgery? Discover why Dr. Dan Nguyen is the top choice for your vision care needs! From expert care to advanced technology, find out the top 10 reasons to trust Dr. Nguyen with your eyes.
Alison’s story: “I no longer need reading glasses!”
Discover Alison's Inspiring Journey to Clarity! Alison, a senior cabin crew member, shares her transformative experience of overcoming the daily hassles of reading glasses and embracing a life of clear vision. Don't let glasses hold you back from living your best life!
What is Dan Nguyen’s training and experience?
Can you trust Dan Nguyen with your vision? Find out about his training and experience in this video...
Links to authoritative resources about glaucoma treatments
Follow the links below for more information on glaucoma treatment
Mr Dan Nguyen
MBChB MBA FRCOphth FRANZCO
Consultant Eye Surgeon
Hello, I’m Dan Nguyen!
I‘m your guide to better vision. In times when long waiting lists and unclear options are the norm, it’s easy to feel stuck and worried about your eye health. Don’t let that hold you back. I’m here to show you that you can skip the endless queues and make real progress. Remember, you’re unique, not just another name on a list. Every patient I see receives top-notch care, tailored to their specific needs and lifestyle. Once you’ve had your treatment, you’ll be able to embrace a life that’s vivid, colourful, and just the way you like it. So what are you waiting for? Stop waiting and start living!
