SLT vs. LASIK
Laser Eye Procedures
Demystified: Treatment vs. Correction
While “laser eye surgery” is a common term, it describes procedures with fundamentally different goals. This guide distinguishes between therapeutic treatments for diseases like glaucoma and elective procedures for vision correction.
Head-to-Head: SLT vs. LASIK
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
- 🎯Purpose: Therapeutic intervention to manage glaucoma, a progressive disease.
- 👁️Target: Trabecular Meshwork (the eye’s drainage system).
- ⚙️Mechanism: Stimulates a biochemical response to improve the eye’s natural fluid outflow.
- 🏆Outcome: Lowers intraocular pressure (IOP) to preserve existing vision.
- 🔄Repeatability: Highly repeatable, as it causes minimal tissue damage.
LASIK Eye Surgery
- 🎯Purpose: Elective procedure to correct common refractive errors.
- 👁️Target: Cornea (the eye’s clear front surface).
- ⚙️Mechanism: Permanently reshapes the cornea by removing microscopic tissue amounts.
- 🏆Outcome: Improves visual acuity, reducing or eliminating the need for glasses/contacts.
- 🔄Repeatability: Primarily a one-time procedure; minor “enhancements” possible but not routine.
A Closer Look at SLT for Glaucoma
SLT is a vital tool for preserving vision in patients with glaucoma by managing the primary risk factor: high eye pressure.
Typical IOP Reduction
20-30%
SLT significantly lowers intraocular pressure, comparable to the most potent glaucoma medications.
Initial Success Rate
Approximately 80% of patients experience a measurable reduction in eye pressure after the procedure.
Evolution of Treatment
1979: ALT Introduced
Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT) pioneered the use of lasers, but involved thermal energy and scarring.
1995: SLT Developed
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty offered a non-destructive, repeatable alternative.
Today: First-Line Option
SLT is now proven as effective as eye drops for initial treatment, improving quality of life.
The SLT Patient Journey
Preparation
Prophylactic eye drops are given to prevent pressure spikes. The eye is numbed with topical anesthetic.
Procedure (5-10 min)
A special lens is placed on the eye. The laser is applied to the trabecular meshwork to stimulate drainage.
Post-Care & Monitoring
Anti-inflammatory drops are prescribed. Regular follow-ups are crucial to monitor eye pressure over time.
A Closer Look at LASIK for Vision Correction
LASIK is an elective procedure that reshapes the cornea to correct refractive errors, offering freedom from glasses and contacts.
Patient Satisfaction
>96%
The vast majority of patients are satisfied with the outcome of their LASIK surgery.
20/20 Vision or Better
Over 90% of patients achieve 20/20 vision, with nearly 99% achieving 20/40 or better.
The LASIK Procedure in Two Steps
Flap Creation
A femtosecond laser creates a thin, hinged flap on the cornea’s surface, which is then gently lifted.
Corneal Reshaping
An excimer laser precisely removes tissue to reshape the cornea, correcting the refractive error, before the flap is repositioned.
Who is a Good Candidate?
You might be an SLT candidate if…
- You have open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
- You struggle with daily eye drops (compliance, side effects, cost).
- Your eye pressure is not controlled by medication alone.
- You want to delay or avoid more invasive surgery.
Contraindications include inflammatory glaucoma or an unclear view of the eye’s drainage angle.
You might be a LASIK candidate if…
- You are over 18 with a stable vision prescription.
- You have nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
- Your eyes are healthy, with no diseases like glaucoma or cataracts.
- You have adequate corneal thickness.
Contraindications include having glaucoma, severe dry eye, thin corneas, or unstable prescriptions.