Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) at Our Floral Park, L.I. Office

For patients with open angle glaucoma either as initial (primary) therapy or in those patients as adjunctive therapy when drops or pills are either not tolerated or do not sufficiently control glaucoma, cold laser surgery may be recommended. At our Floral Park, Long Island office, glaucoma specialist Dr. Lawrence F. Jindra utilizes Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) to provide safe, effective care for his patients.

• Information on Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
• Candidates for SLT Glaucoma Laser Surgery
• Benefits of SLT Glaucoma Laser Surgery
• Risks of SLT Glaucoma Laser Surgery

   

Information on Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is performed using an Nd:YAG laser. The device produces a low-energy light beam that turns into heat when it is absorbed by the trabecular meshwork, the drain of the eye. The heat does not make a hole in the trabecular meshwork; instead, SLT results in a biological response that causes the trabecular meshwork to work more effectively, allowing the aqueous fluid to drain naturally from the eye. SLT has a number of advantages over other glaucoma treatments, including:

• successfully lowers intraocular pressure in a large majority of five cases
• treatment is nearly painless for most patients, and usually takes only minutes to complete
• conservative approach that causes no burning or scarring of the trabecular meshwork
• repeatable therapy with minimal risks

SLT is performed in Dr. Jindra's Floral Park, Long Island office. Hospitalization is not necessary, and most patients experience a rapid recovery.

Candidates for SLT Glaucoma Cold Laser Surgery

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) cold laser glaucoma surgery is an effective way to treat open angle glaucoma. The decision to use SLT glaucoma laser surgery depends on several factors such as:

• the patient's risk factors and chance for continued vision loss
• damage to the optic nerve of the patient's eye
• the patient's response and side effects to glaucoma medications

Dr. Jindra will determine if you are a candidate for SLT glaucoma cold laser surgery after an examination and consultation at his Floral Park, Long Island office.

Benefits of SLT Glaucoma Cold Laser Surgery

SLT glaucoma cold laser surgery does not cause scarring or burning of the trabecular network (the drainage area of the eye) and therefore, is a repeatable procedure. This option has a number of other benefits as well, including:

• effectively treats glaucoma and prevents future vision loss in the vast majority of patients
• reduces or eliminates the need for glaucoma medication in many patients
• safe and effective treatment option
• minimal discomfort experienced during the procedure
• repeatable in many patients with minimal risk

SLT patients at Dr. Jindra's Floral Park, Long Island practice benefit from his extensive experience and skill. The first glaucoma specialist in the metro New York, tri-state area to offer SLT, Dr. Jindra is a pioneer and leading expert in this cold laser treatment of glaucoma.

Risks of SLT Glaucoma Laser Surgery

As with any surgery, complications can occur during SLT glaucoma cold laser surgery, but are not common. Some possible complications include irritation, inflammation, and rarely, worsening of the glaucoma. Dr. Jindra will measure your intraocular pressure after the SLT treatment to make sure there is no elevation in intracocular pressure after the procedure. If the pressure does rise, medication will be given to lower the pressure. Some patients may still require glaucoma medication after SLT. At his Floral Park, Long Island, Dr. Jindra will discuss the potential risks and benefits of SLT cold laser glaucoma surgery, to ensure his parents are educated about their treatment options.

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If you would like more information on glaucoma and SLT glaucoma cold laser surgery, please contact Dr. Lawrence F. Jindra's Floral Park Ophthalmology center.