Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a disease affecting the optic nerve (the bundle of nerve cells connecting the eye to the brain). Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, and is usually caused by increased pressure within the eye.
Loss of sight from glaucoma occurs slowly over a long period of time, but once a level of vision has been lost due to this disease, it can never be restored.
Why does glaucoma occur?
The eye's aqueous fluid is consitantly produced and drained at a balanced rate to ensure the health of the lens and cornea. When the drainage becomes blocked, intraocular pressure increases and open-angle glaucoma (the most common kind) occurs.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a simple yet highly effective laser procedure that reduces the intraocular pressure associated with glaucoma. It can be performed in Mr Moriarty's office and typically takes no more than five minutes.
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 mechanicsms go to work to 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.
SLT is painless and there are no side effects to worry about.
The following Youtube video explains the procedure in more detail: Lumenis SLT Glaucoma Patient Education Video.
What happens during the treatment?
Prior to treatment, eye drops are administered to prepare the eye and provide mild anaesthesia. Then, gentle pulses of light are delivered through a specially designed microscope. The entire process takes just a few minutes. When it's complete, you may be treated with anti-inflammatory eye drops.
One to three days after the procedure, your intraocular pressure should drop significantly. You may need follow-up appointments after the treatment.
How often can I have SLT done?
SLT is gentle, non-thermal and non-invasive — which allows the procedure to be repeated if necessary. By comparison, repeat treatments of previous approaches in laser therapy were either extremely limited or not possible.
What if SLT doesn't work for me?
SLT lowers intraocular pressure by an average of 25 percent in 75 to 85 percent of patients treated. For those that do not respond, other forms of treatment, including traditional drug therapy, can still be highly effective.
Who is SLT suitable for?
If you fit in to any of the following categories, you're a good candidate for SLT:
- If you have primary open-angle, pseudoexfoliation, or pigmentary glaucoma. (If you're not sure, ask your opthalmologist.)
- If you are intolerant of glaucoma medications, or have difficulty taking them as prescribed.
- If 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, due to finances, lack of transportation, or other limitations.
- If you have a history of failed ALT (argon laser trabeculoplasty) treatments.
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Making an appointment
To make an appointment or refer a patient to Mr Moriarty, please contact Deryn Fawcett:
| Phone: | 0161 927 3177 |
|---|---|
| Fax: | 0161 927 3178 |
| Online: | Book appointment online |