SLT - The Gentle Glaucoma Treatment
Dr Skalicky is a highly experienced laser surgeon
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty or better known as SLT is a painless, effortless and quick procedure that is performed by Dr Skalicky at his rooms. SLT is successful at reducing high intraocular eye pressure whilst releasing you from the lifestyle weight of glaucoma medications and their side effects.
Dr Skalicky has a proven track record in delivering Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty. The results of his SLT treatments have been published in the Journal of Glaucoma, representing one of the largest and most successful cohorts of patients receiving SLT in the literature. His gentle and caring approach ensures the experience is smooth for patients.
What is Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)?
SLT is a simple, effective gentle laser treatment that reduces high eye pressure.
How does SLT work?
For people who have elevated levels of fluid in their eye - ocular hypertension or glaucoma, SLT will lower the pressure in the eye. The SLT machine uses brief pulses of low-energy light targeting the eye’s normal drainage area, located in the angle between the iris (coloured part of your eye) and cornea (clear window at the front of your eye). This gently stimulates the cells in the drainage area, causing them to improve normal drainage pathways and reduce the eye pressure.
Prior to treatment, eye drops are administered to prepare the eye and provide anaesthesia. Then gentle pulses of light are delivered through a specially designed microscope while you sit comfortably and rest your chin. The entire process takes just a few minutes.
Prior to SLT treatment
In most cases you will be given a prescription for Iopidine (apraclonidine) or Alphagan P (brimonidine) eye drops to commence at the time of your first SLT treatment. Please collect this prior and bring the drops unopened to your first laser appointment. You will be required to take these drops twice daily for 4 days in the treated eye.
Unless otherwise instructed please continue your current Glaucoma medication as per usual.
SLT Recovery
There are no restrictions on your activities after laser treatment. You are also safe to drive after treatment.
Over the next few years, you will need regular monitoring with eye pressure checks, visual field and optic nerve tests, in case the eye pressure slowly rises.
Who is best suited for SLT?
SLT is a great treatment option for you if you have raised eye pressure (ocular hypertension) or glaucoma, especially if you find drops bothersome, uncomfortable or difficult to administer or remember.
For those who find regularly daily taking of eye drops cumbersome, then long-lasting laser treatment can be made available to you.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty is also a great option if you have watery, itchy, red or uncomfortable eyes, as eye drops can worsen these symptoms.
For how long does the pressure-lowering effect last?
The effect of SLT can last many years (on average 3-4 years), but may begin to wear off after 12-18 months; hence ongoing monitoring is important.
Accreditations & Credentials
Dr Skalicky is an active clinician, surgeon, researcher, teacher, academic and health advocate who has published over 60 articles in international Ophthalmology journals. Known as an Ophthalmologist ahead of the times, Dr Skalicky’s career highlights are exceptional atypical for his age.
