Visual impairment defines as an issue not correctable by surgery, medicine, glasses or contact lenses. Legal blindness defines as vision measured 20/200 or less and qualified a person for benefits. Having poor eyesight interferes with a person’s ability to function during the day. Seeing in grayness and shadows causes a person to make different decisions and have fears. Most authorities agree on Three leading causes of blindness in the USA as cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. With glaucoma no cure exists but, research has made much progress with a process known as Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty
A form of laser eye surgery, selective laser trabeculoplasty serves as the first line of treatment for open-angle glaucoma. An eye has a filling of a plasma like substance known as aqueous humor. Created by a set of cells known as the ciliary processes and drained by the trabecular network the internal pressure of the eye must fit within a range or damage occurs to nerves and cells. When that pressure remains consistently high then the ophthalmologist diagnosis it as glaucoma. Trabecula describes a small bundle of fibers that perform a function in a part of the body such as an eye.
Houston Lasik describes the procedure as clinically proven with short, mild bursts of light targets at the trabecula. Little permanent visible change appears on the targeted tissue but with the lowering of the IOP ( intraocular pressure) the eye functions better. The laser energy sparks a natural healing response in the tissues. The original tubes enlarge a bit and allow more of the aqueous fluid to flow out making it easier for the eye to balance the pressure.
Results
Since selective laser trabeculoplasty has been around 20 years much data has been collected. This procedure has an 80% effectiveness rate and it lowers the IOP 20 to 25 %. In Houston a belief of carefully choosing which glaucoma patients receive the treatment makes sure the effectiveness remains high. For patients the selective laser trabeculoplasty route remains cost effective when compared to treating their glaucoma with eye drops. Ophthalmologist like the STL treatment since it assures the patient receives the best possible drainage of the aqueous humor daily. A problem with eye drop treatments has been patients forget to use the medication. Also, if glaucoma flares up again using this procedure leaves the option open for more traditional conventional therapies used when the patient becomes older.
After the procedure patient’s report the side effects of redness, mild soreness, and some blurred vision. Continuing eye drop medication temporarily alleviates most of the initial side effects. Ophthalmologists report sometimes patients have elevated eye pressure and adhesions. All considered mild side effects. Be aware the STL procedure is not permanent. In most cases it lasts 5 to 10 years.
Conclusions
An essential factor in the whole surgery remains the doctor and clinic chosen to do it. In skilled hands and staff such as found at Houston Lasik the procedure gives good results.
Houston Lasik leads in providing premium LASIK technologies to Houston, Sugar Land, and the surrounding region. The center’s award-winning medical director introduced revolutionary technologies such as iLASIK to the region. This technology is used by NASA astronauts, Navy SEALS and Air Force fighter pilots. At Houston Lasik, you can now receive the same treatment. For more information, please call (281) 240-0478.
VIA
https://nei.nih.gov/health/glaucoma/glaucoma_facts
https://www.cdc.gov/healthcommunication/toolstemplates/entertainmented/tips/Blindness.html
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/glaucoma-treatment:
