Glaucoma

Yes, you can have SLT therapy more than once. Your eye doctor may perform a series of treatments over weeks or months to help reduce your eye pressure effectively.

You will need to schedule a follow-up appointment with your eye doctor to determine how effective SLT was in lowering your eye pressure. Your eye doctor may have you continue taking your current eye drop medication or may prescribe a new medication. Only your eye doctor can determine if and when you can stop taking your medication.

The most common side effect of SLT therapy is mild eye irritation. Your eye doctor may prescribe eye drops to treat the mild irritation for a short-time after the procedure. For many patients, the mild irritation goes away on its own in a day or two.

SLT is a cost-effective therapy that provides long-term control of eye pressure SLT may reduce or eliminate your need to take eye drop medication for glaucoma. SLT is typically covered by Medicare

There are many different treatment options for glaucoma including medication, surgery, and laser therapy, such as SLT.

Your eyes naturally produce fluid that gives them their pressure and shape. Healthy eye pressure is maintained as fluid flows in and out of your eye. Everyone has an eye pressure range that is healthy and normal for them. If fluid builds up inside the eye, eye pressure can increase. High eye pressure can cause damage to the optic nerve, which can lead to vision loss.

Glaucoma is an eye disease that is called “the sneak thief of sight,” because vision loss is often the first sign. If left untreated, it leads to vision loss by causing damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve is located in the back of your eye and sends images to your brain, allowing you to see. Damage to the optic nerve is often caused by high eye pressure. High eye pressure is the #1 risk factor for glaucoma. With early diagnosis of high eye pressure and effective treatment options, your risk for vision loss due to this disease can be reduced.

Many treatments, including medications and some surgical procedures, are covered by medical insurance.

Adults over 40 should have an eye exam every 1-2 years, while those at high risk may need more frequent screenings.

Those with a family history, individuals over 60, and people with diabetes or high eye pressure are at greater risk.

No, but it can be effectively managed with medications, laser therapy, or surgery to prevent further vision loss.

No, glaucoma often develops without noticeable symptoms, which is why regular eye exams are essential.