When diagnosed with glaucoma, your ophthalmologist will recommend one or a combination of the following treatment options:

• Laser Therapy
• Drug Therapy
• Surgery

Laser Therapy

SLT, Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty

Selective laser trabeculoplasty, or SLT, is a gentle and non-invasive treatment for glaucoma. This quick and simple procedure is an effective option for most glaucoma patients, but is especially suited to patients who cannot tolerate or are unable to self-administer glaucoma medications. Highly effective, SLT is used as primary treatment for early stages of open angle glaucoma, and can also be used in combination with drug therapy, or as an alternative therapy when drugs fail. It is also a flexible treatment option, because it can be repeated, if necessary, depending on the individual patient's response.

The SLT technique is not associated with adverse side effects and is a pain-free, outpatient-based procedure performed in your ophthalmologist's office.

Learn more about SLT

ALT, Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty

Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT) was formerly the most widely used laser treatment for glaucoma. There are many problems associated with ALT, including irreversible damage to the eye, along with permanent scarring.

Drug Therapy

Drug therapy is the most common form of glaucoma treatment; however, there are many side effects associated with long-term drug use, and medications aren't effective for all patients - and you have to remember to take your medication every day. Common side effects include allergic reactions, iris discoloration, drowsiness and burning sensations.

Traditional drug therapy has been based on topical eye drops, including beta-blockers and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAI), which decrease aqueous fluid production. Newer drugs increase aqueous fluid outflow.

Surgical

If non-surgical methods fail to lower intraocular pressure to a safe level, your ophthalmologist may decide to perform surgery. The two major types of glaucoma surgery are:

• Trabeculectomy

  Trabeculectomy is the most common surgical method used to reduce the pressure associated with glaucoma. During the procedure, the surgeon removes a tiny section of the wall of the eye, creating a drain which allows for the outflow of aqueous fluid.

• Non-Penetrating Filtration Surgery

  Non-penetrating filtration surgery is a newer surgical method, similar to a trabeculectomy, except that the final thin layer of the wall of the eye is left intact. This procedure lowers the chances for infection, but is not ideal for all patients who require filtering surgery.

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