SLT
Prior to SLT (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty) in particular, eye drops will be given for anesthesia and to prepare the eye for treatment. The laser is applied through a slit-lamp microscope, similar to what is used during eye exams.
The IOP should decrease within several weeks of the procedure. Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory eye drops to use for 4-7 days afterward. SLT does not always lower the intraocular pressure to the desired level. If not, the procedure may have to be repeated.
Unlike with some glaucoma medications, there have been no incidences of allergic reactions or side effects with the SLT procedure. Complications are rare but may include inflammation, fluctuation in intraocular pressure (IOP), conjunctivitis, or eye pain. Your doctor will provide more specific pre- and post-surgery guidelines.
ECP
ECP (Endoscopic Cyclophotocoagulation) is a procedure in which the surgeon uses a laser to reduce the production of excess fluid in the eye and thus reduce pressure on the optic nerve. It's a relatively gentle procedure and is very precise, which prevents undesirable collateral tissue damage. ECP is an excellent choice for cases in which the eye is already undergoing cataract surgery.
Micropulse CYCLO-G6 Glaucoma Laser System
The Micropulse Cyclo-G6 Glaucoma Laser System is a non-incisional procedure designed to lower eye pressure by applying short bursts of laser energy directly to the fluid-producing cells in the eye. This new and innovative technology is a variation of an earlier procedure called "diode laser cyclophotocoagulation." Due to the shorter micro-bursts of energy, the post-operative inflammation and post-operative recovery time are minimized with the Cyclo-G6 Laser procedure. Most importantly, the structural changes seen during standard diode laser cyclophotocoagulation are not seen using the Cyclo-G6 Laser.
The goal of the procedure is to decrease the amount of medications needed to decrease a patient's eye pressure, and to slow the rate of peripheral and/or central vision loss a patient experiences from glaucoma. The surgeons of DeHaven Eye Clinic are positioned to evaluate your glaucoma and help determine if this procedure, or other glaucoma treatments, are suitable for your stage of glaucoma.