Tired of glaucoma eye drops? Discover DSLT laser treatment
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Glaucoma is a condition that, in many cases, requires ongoing treatment to keep intraocular pressure under control. However, using eye drops every day for years can become a burden for some patients.
Have you ever forgotten to use your drops? Do you experience stinging, itching or irritation after using them? Do you find it difficult to follow your treatment several times a day?
There are now alternatives that may help reduce reliance on eye drops in selected patients with glaucoma. One of these is DSLT laser treatment, an advanced technology that allows glaucoma to be treated quickly and without conventional surgery.
At Clínica Castellote, specialists in ophthalmology in Castellón, we have DSLT technology to offer our patients a personalised option as part of their glaucoma treatment.
What if you could control your glaucoma while relying less on drops?
Glaucoma treatment has one fundamental aim: to keep intraocular pressure under control in order to protect the optic nerve and preserve vision.
To achieve this, many patients use pressure-lowering eye drops. These treatments can be very effective, but they require consistency.
And this is where one of the main challenges arises: treatment only works properly when it is used as directed by the ophthalmologist.
For various reasons, some patients may find it difficult to maintain treatment over the long term. In addition, certain eye drops can cause discomfort on the surface of the eye.
This is why DSLT laser treatment may be worth considering for selected patients.
What is DSLT laser treatment?
DSLT stands for Direct Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty. It is a laser technology designed to act on the trabecular meshwork, a structure in the eye that helps drain the aqueous humour.
By improving the outflow of fluid from the eye, the treatment may help lower intraocular pressure.
Unlike conventional glaucoma surgery, DSLT does not require incisions.
Another of its most striking features is its exceptional speed.
2.4 seconds: exceptionally fast laser delivery
One of the features that surprises patients most is how quickly the procedure is performed.
The laser treatment can be delivered in approximately 2.4 seconds.
Yes, you read that correctly: 2.4 seconds.
While managing glaucoma may be part of your life for years, the delivery of the laser treatment is extremely quick.
DSLT therefore allows the procedure to be carried out simply, with minimal disruption to everyday life.
Can DSLT reduce the need for glaucoma eye drops?
This is probably one of the questions patients are most interested in.
The aim of DSLT is not simply to deliver a laser treatment, but to help control intraocular pressure and, in selected patients, it may help reduce the need for medication.
However, not all patients can stop using drops after treatment.
The decision depends on factors such as the type and severity of glaucoma, intraocular pressure, the condition of the optic nerve and the individual's response to treatment.
An eye assessment is therefore essential before deciding whether DSLT is suitable.
Do your drops cause irritation? DSLT may be worth considering
Long-term use of eye drops can cause discomfort in some people, including:
- Dry eyes
- Stinging
- Redness
- A feeling of something in the eye
- Irritation of the ocular surface
When a patient has difficulty tolerating eye drops, it may therefore be worth considering ways to reduce their medication burden, whenever this is clinically possible.
What if you simply forget your drops?
It is not unusual.
Between work, travel, meals, other medication and everyday activities, keeping up with several applications of eye drops every day can be difficult.
This is precisely why any treatment that reduces reliance on medication can have a positive effect on comfort and quality of life for selected patients.
Does DSLT always replace eye drops?
No.
It is important to be clear: DSLT does not necessarily mean stopping medication.
Some patients may need to continue using eye drops after the procedure. Others may be able to reduce their medication.
The aim should therefore always be to tailor treatment to the individual and keep intraocular pressure at a suitable level to protect the optic nerve.
Is the treatment painful?
The procedure is performed under topical anaesthesia and is generally well tolerated.
As it is a non-invasive procedure with extremely fast laser delivery, recovery is usually straightforward.
After treatment, the ophthalmologist will provide instructions for follow-up care and any medication needed in each case.
Who may be a candidate for DSLT?
DSLT may be an option for selected patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
However, no single treatment is suitable for everyone.
Before recommending it, the ophthalmologist must assess the type of glaucoma, the anatomy of the eye, intraocular pressure, current treatment and the condition of the optic nerve.
Do not wait until you lose vision to take glaucoma seriously
One of the most dangerous features of glaucoma is that it can progress for a long time without causing obvious symptoms.
By the time a patient notices significant sight loss, the damage to the optic nerve may already be irreversible.
The aim of treatment is therefore not to restore lost vision, but to control the condition and protect the vision that remains.
DSLT in Castellón: an option worth considering
If you have glaucoma and use drops every day, find it difficult to follow your treatment consistently, or experience discomfort from your drops, it may be time to consider whether there is a suitable alternative for you.
At Clínica Castellote, specialists in ophthalmology in Castellón, we can assess your case and determine whether DSLT laser treatment could be an option within your glaucoma management plan.