Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a non-invasive laser procedure used to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) and treat open angle glaucoma by improving fluid drainage from the eye (Glaucoma UK, 2022; Manchester University NHS Trust, 2019). Following optometrist referral, how do patients find the experience?

Frances Baillie had glaucoma managed with eye drops for 17 years. Then, because of increasing IOP, her ophthalmologist recommended SLT. “My first session was in June 2018 and the next one in January 2020,” she says, noting that the information she received was “excellent and the procedure communicated well. The optometrist explained everything and checked I was still happy to continue, adding that the pre-treatment drops – to lower pressures – might cause a headache, but they didn’t.” 

The experience wasn’t uncomfortable, says Frances. “A cup was placed around my right eye to keep it open during the procedure, and I was asked to look up, down, left and right as the different quadrants of the eye were lasered. This took about five minutes and was then repeated for the left.” Frances made a good recovery without pressure spikes. “My pressures were lowered and I still use drops. It’s been nearly six years since the last session of SLT and my pressures are still good. It was the right choice for me.”