Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)


At Eyehub, we recognise that every patients is unique and deserves individualised care. That’s why we offer a range of treatments for glaucoma, including Selective Laser Tracbeculoplasty. 

SLT is a gentle laser treatment that helps lower eye pressure by draining fluid from the eye. It is often used as a first line of treatment for glaucoma, as it is effective and has few side effects. However, it is not suitable for everyone, our lead ophthalmologist will work with you to determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs. 

If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma or are at risk of developing the condition, we invite you to book an appointment at EyeHub today. We will be happy to discuss your treatment with you and answer any questions you may have.

What is Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty? 

SLT is a highly precise and gentle laser therapy which triggers a natural healing response in the eye to reduce intraocular pressure. SLT is a non-surgical treatment and is performed in-clinic at Eyehub by lead ophthalmologist, Dr Sonia Moorthy

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Procedure For SLT

During your procedure, a pressure lowering and numbing drop is applied to the eye. A lens is then placed on the eye to keep it steady and assist in the laser delivery. 

Laser energy is then applied in a rapid succession, treating up to 360 degrees of the drainage angle of the eye. This results in an inflammation response, assisting fluid outflow and reducing eye pressure. By the end of the procedure, patients sometimes experience discomfort, but this usually settles within the day.

The entire procedure usually takes around 15 minutes, and the effects are usually long-lasting. However, some patients may need to undergo multiple treatments to maintain their results. Overall, this procedure is relatively safe and effective, and it can significantly improve a patients quality of life. 

After The Procedure

The results of SLT treatment are usually seen within 3 months, and these results typically last for us to 3 years. In some cases, patients may not see a response to treatment until 6 months. For these patients, it is important to continue to use the prescribed eye drops and to attend all scheduled follow-up appointments. 

Up to 26% of patients may fail to show a response to SLT treatment, but most of these patients will respond to additional treatment.

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Potential Risks Of The SLT Procedure

Complications of Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty treatment include: 

  • Elevated eye pressure

  • Inflammation of the coloured area of the eye (Iritis)  

Rare:

  • Fluid build-up within the macula (Macular Oedema) 

  • Bleed in the eye (Hyphema) 

  • Clouding of the window of the eye (Corneal Oedema) 

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty On The Sunshine Coast

Dr Sonia Moorthy is an experienced and qualified ophthalmologist on the Sunshine Coast who offers a wide range of laser treatments for her patients at EyeHub. 

Whether you are suffering from a common eye condition, or looking to improve or preserve your vision with laser procedure, Dr Moorthy can provide you with the treatment you need. To learn more about the services offered by Dr Sonia Moorthy at EyeHub, get in touch today.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the SLT procedure hurt?

The SLT procedure itself is not painful, occasionally uncomfortable. Patients may feel a brief sting as the numbing eyedrops are administered, but the laser treatment is virtually painless. 

Some patients may experience temporary discomfort after the procedure, such as grittiness, soreness, or a burning sensation in the eye. These symptom are typically mild and should resolve within a few days. If you experience more severe pain or any other unexpected side effects, be sure to contact the EyeHub team.  

What is the recovery time?

SLT is a safe and effective treatment, and most people experience little to no recovery time following treatment. 

Does SLT improve vision?

The main purpose of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is not to improve your vision, but instead to stop or slow the progression of glaucoma. SLT can significantly reduce intraocular pressure without damaging the surrounding tissue. As a result, it can help preserve your eyesight and prevent further vision los due to glaucoma. 

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If you have any questions, please contact us on 07 5220 8990.