- email: contact@annecy-ophtalmo.fr
- 645 Route de Champ Farçon, 74370 Argonay
- Call us: +33 450230323
Glaucoma surgery and SLT laser
When eye drops are no longer enough, are poorly tolerated or are difficult to use every day, other methods can lower eye pressure: laser, minor surgery combined with cataract surgery, or filtration surgery.
SLT laser
Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) acts on the eye's natural filter, the trabecular meshwork, to facilitate aqueous humour drainage. It is performed during a consultation, with anaesthetic eye drops, in a few minutes. The pressure-lowering effect appears within a few weeks and may diminish over time; the laser can sometimes be repeated. It may be offered as first-line treatment or alongside eye drops.
Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)
These involve micro-implants or procedures that improve the drainage of aqueous humour through very small incisions. They are most often performed during cataract surgery, for early to moderate glaucoma (see our article on the iStent). They moderately lower pressure and often allow the number of eye drops to be reduced.
Filtration surgery
When pressure remains too high despite other treatments, trabeculectomy or other filtering techniques create a new drainage pathway beneath the conjunctiva. Surgery takes place in the operating theatre, followed by close monitoring over the following weeks. This surgery aims to lower pressure and requires close monitoring.
Choosing with your ophthalmologist
The choice depends on the type and stage of glaucoma, the condition of the optic nerve and visual field, the target pressure, any cataract and your daily life. The aim is to slow the disease: existing damage cannot be reversed, hence the importance of regular examinations. See glaucoma.
Frequently asked questions
Is SLT laser painful?
Very little: eye drops anaesthetise the eye's surface and you mainly see flashes of light. Mild discomfort or slightly blurred vision may persist for a few hours.
Will I be able to stop my eye drops after surgery?
Sometimes, not always. The aim is to lower pressure with less treatment; your doctor decides on any changes.
When should glaucoma screening start?
Screening every 2 to 3 years is recommended from age 50, earlier or more often if there is a family history or other risk factors.
Learn more
Our doctors
- Dr Florian Baudincornea, refractive surgery, cataracts, glaucoma, medical retina
- Dr Xavier Piquotcataracts, refractive surgery, medical retina, glaucoma
- Dr Malik Meradglaucoma, medical and surgical retina, cataracts
In the event of sudden loss of vision or pain, see eye emergencies.
Your ophthalmologist answers your questions during the consultation. For a sudden symptom or sudden loss of vision, seek advice promptly: see the eye emergencies page.
Our practices
Annecy-Argonay
645 route de Champ Farçon, 74370 Argonay
Faverges
27 place Gambetta, 74210 Faverges
Rumilly
5 rue Frédéric Girod, 74150 Rumilly
Sallanches
35 rue Emma Lanche, 74700 Sallanches
04 50 23 03 23Book an appointmentDirections and parkingReception Monday to Friday, 8 am – 6 pm