What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in North America and Europe, and the second leading cause worldwide. It is estimated that half of those with glaucoma do not realize they have the disease.

The eye's aqueous fluid is constantly produced and drained at a balanced rate to ensure the health of the lens and cornea. When this drainage becomes blocked, or there is an increase in aqueous fluid production, intraocular pressure increases and glaucoma occurs. Over time, this pressure can cause damage to some of the sensitive structures that receive and transmit images in the eye, ultimately resulting in irreversible loss of vision.

Although risk factors for glaucoma include heredity, diet, smoking and age, the actual cause is often unclear. Glaucoma develops gradually over many years and is unfortunately a non-symptomatic disease. Your vision may seem fine until the day you are diagnosed with glaucoma, or you notice that your peripheral vision is not a good as it once was. If glaucoma is not detected and treated early, it can lead to blindness.

Open-angle glaucoma

Open-angle glaucoma (OAG) is the most common form of glaucoma and affects more than 50 million people worldwide. The prevalence of OAG is expected to increase dramatically over the next decade due to rapidly ageing demographics.OAG occurs when there is an increase in IOP caused by a blockage of fluid drainage through the trabecular meshwork (the eye's drainage system).  This increase in IOP damages the optic nerve and destroys peripheral vision.  This loss of vision is irreversible.

How is Glaucoma treated?

When diagnosed with glaucoma, your ophthalmologist will recommend one or a combination of the following treatment options:

Laser Therapy

SLT, Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty

Selective laser trabeculoplasty, or SLT, is a gentle and non-invasive treatment for glaucoma. This quick and simple procedure is an effective option for most glaucoma patients, but is especially suited to patients who cannot tolerate or are unable to self-administer glaucoma medications. Highly effective, SLT is used as primary treatment for early stages of open angle glaucoma, and can also be used in combination with drug therapy, or as an alternative therapy when drugs fail. It is also a flexible treatment option, because it can be repeated, if necessary, depending on the individual patient's response.

The SLT technique is not associated with adverse side effects and is a pain-free, outpatient-based procedure performed in your ophthalmologist's office.

Learn more about SLT

ALT, Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty

Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT) was formerly the most widely used laser treatment for glaucoma. There are many problems associated with ALT, including irreversible damage to the eye, along with permanent scarring.

Drug Therapy

Drug therapy is the most common form of glaucoma treatment; however, there are many side effects associated with long-term drug use, and medications aren't effective for all patients - and you have to remember to take your medication every day. Common side effects include allergic reactions, iris discoloration, drowsiness and burning sensations.

Surgical

If non-surgical methods fail to lower intraocular pressure to a safe level, your ophthalmologist may decide to perform surgery.

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty

Selective laser trabeculoplasty, or SLT, is a gentle and non-invasive treatment for glaucoma. This quick and simple procedure is an effective option for most glaucoma patients, but is especially suited to patients who cannot tolerate or are unable to self-administer glaucoma medications. Highly effective, SLT is used as a primary treatment for the early stages of open angle glaucoma, and can also be used in combination with drug therapy, or as an alternative therapy when drugs fail. It is also a flexible treatment option, because it can be repeated, if necessary, depending on the individual patient's response.

The SLT technique is not associated with adverse side effects and is a pain-free, outpatient-based procedure performed in your ophthalmologist's office.

How it Works

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 mechanisms go to work to rebuild these cells - a process that improves drainage and lowers intraocular pressure. The surrounding, non-pigmented cells - as well as the rest of the eye - are untouched and undamaged.

Learn more about SLT

Download SLT Brochure (PDF)

Download SLT Poster (PDF)