Glaucoma is by definition a disease of the eye marked by increased intraocular pressure. This pressure is controlled in part by a substance called the aqueous humor, a clear fluid that flows through the eye and provides nourishment to the tissues that regulate the pressure itself, helping to maintain the shape of the eye. Glaucoma occurs when there is either an increase in production of the aqueous humor, or blocked and therefore decreased drainage, causing the increase of intraocular pressure. If left untreated, the elevated pressure causes damage to the optic nerve resulting in permanent vision loss, or even blindness.
The goal of treating Glaucoma is to reduce intraocular pressure, which is commonly done with the use of medicated pills or eye drops. Some medications are designed to allow for faster drainage of the aqueous humor if it is blocked and draining slowly, while others are used to decrease its production. While eye drops are a common treatment, they are not the most desired because they can be expensive and messy, have side effects, and may need to be used indefinitely. In fact, Glaucoma management is usually a lifelong process requiring frequent monitoring and treatment.
In lieu of medicinal treatments, Dr. Jonathan Christenbury and the doctors at Christenbury Eye Center employ the use of a state-of-the-art laser treatment known as Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, or SLT. SLT uses a laser to stimulate the body's natural healing system resulting in reduced pressure in the eye. The laser itself is set to a specific wavelength that only targets the cells containing melanin. This improves the flow of fluid in the eye, in turn lowering the pressure.
The eye is treated with eye drops to prepare it for the procedure, then the laser applications are made through a special microscope, similar to the one used for eye examinations. The lens used on the eye may cause some irritation or redness, but you will not feel any sensation from the laser at all. The treatment takes only a few minutes, and you may have reduced pressure as soon as one day following the SLT procedure! SLT may also reduce or eliminate the need for additional Glaucoma medications.
Other benefits of SLT are that there are no allergy or systemic side effects. Because SLT only targets specific cells, the surrounding tissue is left intact and unharmed. It is also very cost effective: there are not continual expenses as there are with medications, and the costs of SLT therapy are often reimbursed by Medicare and other insurance providers.
