James S. Lewis, MD
has successfully treated hundreds of glaucoma
patients and glaucoma suspects with SLT.
This five minute, painless treatment is performed in the office.
Most insurance companies pay the entire cost.
Reduce or eliminate the expense and hassle of glaucoma eye drops.
Ask your doctor for an SLT evaluation and get a free glaucoma DVD.
SLT for Glaucoma
Glaucoma is associated with an increase in
the eye’s internal pressure. The nourishing fluid called “aqueous” is either produced too rapidly or drained too inefficiently. Left untreated the optic nerve sustains progressive damage and vision is lost.
The cause can be genetic, traumatic, or the result of aging. Much like high blood pressure there are no warning signs.
SLT directly stimulates the pigmented cells of the drainage region of the eye. Beneficial biochemical changes occur and the aqueous flows more readily. The eye's pressure goes down.
SLT stimulates the eye to reduce pressure
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it hurt?
No. Most patients say they don’t feel anything. “It sounded like you were taking my picture”.
How much does it cost?
Most insurance companies cover the entire cost. The office will confirm this for you in advance.
How long does it take?
The treatment takes less than five minutes. Expect to be in an out of the office in under an hour.
Is this FDA-approved?
Yes. SLT is FDA-approved.
How will I feel after the treatment?
Your vision will be blurry for about ten minutes. After that you should be able to drive and enjoy the rest of the day. There are no restrictions or limitations on your activities. We won’t use dilating drops and no one will even know you had your laser.
When can I stop my drops?
Usually we stop your glaucoma drops on the day of the procedure. This decision varies from patient to patient.
When will I know if it worked?
You are examined the next day and again one month later. If you don’t reach the target pressure your doctor will schedule an additional treatment. The vast majority of patients achieve a substantial improvement.
Will this last forever?
We don’t know. Studies show we can repeat this every two years to maintain pressure control if necessary.
Can I have SLT if I’ve had other eye lasers or eye surgery?
Yes. SLT is remarkably gentle and effective.
Glaucoma Facts
It is estimated that over 3 million Americans have glaucoma but only half of those know they have it.
Approximately 120,000 are blind from glaucoma, accounting for 9% to 12% of all cases of blindness in the U.S.
About 2% of the population ages 40-50 and 8% over 70 have elevated eye pressure.
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the U.S. and the first leading cause of preventable blindness.
High-risk groups include: people over 60, Afro-Americans, family members of those already diagnosed with glaucoma, diabetics, and people who are severely nearsighted.
The best way to protect yourself from loss of vision due to glaucoma is with regular, thorough eye exams. You can’t treat a disease you don’t know you have.
Loss of vision from glaucoma is irreversible.
Glaucoma usually has no signs or symptoms until serious loss of vision occurs.
Dr. Lewis Performing SLT
Saving Sight with Technology
Controlling eye pressure has been shown to reduce the chance of visual loss and blindness from glaucoma.
A new, FDA-approved, office-based treatment called SLT (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty) can reduce or eliminate your need for glaucoma eye drops. Furthermore, SLT can enhance the effectiveness of the glaucoma eye drops you are already using.
SLT is quick, safe and painless. Most patients can drive home after the procedure and there
are no restrictions on activities.
Ask your doctor if SLT will work for you.
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