Modern Glaucoma Treatments: Options Beyond Daily Drops
Glaucoma treatment is no longer limited to daily eye drops. Many eye specialists now begin with in-office laser therapy and micro-incisional procedures that safely lower eye pressure while lightening your day-to-day routine.
Why SLT is often the first step
Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) targets the eye’s natural drainage system so fluid exits more easily, reducing intraocular pressure without adding more bottles to your countertop. SLT has an excellent safety record, can be repeated if pressure rises again, and often lets patients reduce—or even stop—pressure-lowering drops. Because SLT is a medical procedure, it’s typically billed to medical insurance rather than a vision plan. Coverage varies by policy, and our team will verify benefits in advance.
SLT at a glance
- Typical treatment time: about 5–10 minutes per eye.
- Numbing (anesthetic) drops only—no injections.
- Most people return to normal activities on the same day.
- Pressure improvement usually appears over several days to a few weeks.
- Benefits commonly last for years and can be repeated if needed.
What the visit is like
You’ll sit at a slit-lamp microscope (the same instrument used during routine exams). After numbing drops, a small contact lens helps guide the laser to the drainage tissue. Mild blurriness for a few hours is common. We’ll schedule follow-up pressure checks to monitor your response.
Who may be a good candidate
SLT is frequently recommended for open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. It’s a practical option for dependable pressure control with less daily upkeep.
Watch SLT in action
See how SLT works and what to expect during treatment.
When additional pressure lowering is needed
If SLT alone doesn’t hit your target pressure—or if cataract surgery is already planned—minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) can be added. These micro-incisional options enhance the eye’s natural outflow or create a gentle new pathway for fluid to leave, aiming for steady pressure control with a quicker recovery than traditional surgery.
More ways to lower eye pressure
These small-incision procedures may be considered if you need additional pressure reduction or are having cataract surgery:
- Micro-stents that help keep the outflow pathway open so fluid exits more easily.
- A brief removal or opening of the clogged filter tissue inside the eye to lower resistance.
- Gentle cleaning and widening of the main drainage canal to restore flow.
- For larger pressure goals, a very small surface shunt that directs fluid to a controlled reservoir.
A plan tailored to you
We personalize recommendations based on your diagnosis, disease stage, target pressure, and whether cataract surgery is part of your care. Our constant goal is to protect vision while keeping treatment as low-burden as possible.
Next step
If you have glaucoma or elevated eye pressure, SLT may be a safe and effective first step. Contact us to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and discuss the best approach for you.
