What is selective laser trabeculoplasty surgery?
This is an outpatient procedure that only takes a few minutes to perform and is typically painless. The last light is focused into the drainage canals and stimulates special cells (macrophages) to clear out debris, allow the fluid of the ye to exit more easily.
What happens during the procedure?
- Your doctor will numb your eyes
- A special lens is held up to your eye
- The laser is aimed at the exact spot you need treatment
- It may look like a bright, quick flash
- The laser helps open clogged tubes and drain fluid
- You won’t feel much pain during the treatment, maybe notice a slight sting or burn
After the procedure, you can expect the following.
- Your doctor will check your eye pressure
- Your eyesight may be blurry or light-sensitive for the first day, but should return to normal by the end of the day
- Take all prescribed eye drops
- Don’t rub or scratch your eyes, even if they feel itchy
- Eyes may be red, sore, or watery
- You’ll be able to go about your normal routine the same day as your surgery. Every patient is different, but healing may take up to 8 weeks.