laser surgery

[Transporterman]

Hi I’ve had glaucoma for about 15 years, the pressures have been controlled over the years by various eye drops, on my last two visits they were concerned about them rising.I have now been listed to have RE Cyclonic laser treatment just wondering if anyone has experienced this surgery. Tia.

[Hidden]

I've never heard of 'cyclonic' laser treatment, but ,yes, I had laser treatment for glaucoma about 18 months ago.... both eyes. It's a painless procedure, just a bit uncomfortable because you have to sit still in a rather uncomfortable position for some time.

Unfortunately for me it didn't work....I think there's a relatively high failure rate....but it was worth trying as non-invasive.

[Dumyat26]

I also have not heard of this & had to google it. The term seems appears to refer to a cosmetic treatment used to reduce scar tissue. Having had open angle glaucoma for 12 years in both eyes I have had Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) twice.

The last time was earlier this year. After 18 months without a hospital appointment due to pandemic restrictions

my consultant decided to do SLT as pressures were high. Each eye "zapped" 120 times. After a few weeks further tests showed eye pressures back to acceptable levels. Procedure is painless, no after effects.

[fayreland in reply to Dumyat26]

I hope you don't mind my asking but I saw an nhs consultant today and he says I need SLT treatment on both eyes but that I would have to pay for it as it is not available on nhs here in Kent. I'm an otherwise very healthy pensioner so I was rather surprised to learn that I would have to pay about £1000 for this treatment. Could I ask if your treatment was on nhs or carried out privately?

Many thanks.

[Dumyat26 in reply to fayreland]

All my treatment is NHS. Would be shocked if was otherwise.

[fayreland in reply to Dumyat26]

Thank you - I think I need to follow this up.

[Transporterman in reply to fayreland]

NHS

[mrswaffle in reply to fayreland]

I would definitely take this further. There has been talk of using SLT as a first treatment, rather than going straight to eye drops. How is your health authority going to deal with that? You might have to complain to PALS in your area. My understanding is that SLT works in about 75 percent of cases. I had it done a few months ago and my pressures went from 16 to 10 (right) and 12 (left). Good luck.

[fayreland in reply to mrswaffle]

Thank you and my thanks to the other forum members for their replies too. I shall contact PALS at Maidstone Hospital today. I was checking their website last night and found an information leaflet for SLT patients! Up to now I've always enjoyed excellent health and apart from regular checks, this is my first real encounter with NHS so all advice and guidance is gratefully received!