Disappointed that SLT Didn't Make Very Much Difference...

[Hel56]

I was diagnosed with Glaucoma before Christmas. It was a shock but I found a great specialist through my pprivate healthcare. I was using Monopost drops and had SLT in both eyes on the 4th January. My pressures were 20 and 21 (but I have thin corneas so not great). Six weeks after the SLT my pressures are only down to 19 and 17. The specialist was positive, saying that the eye with a small bit of damage has come down to 17 so that's good. I need to continue with the Monopost drops every night but I am a bit sad and disappointed that the SLT didn't work more - the specialist said that it went very well so I felt he was a bit disappointed too.

My question is, has anyone had SLT a second time and it worked better or if it doesn't work the first time very well, is that it?

[Nikul]

for 4 yrs + my pressures were gd after SLT. Then went up so had second SLT, which disappointingly didn’t help much so had to give in and do the Monopost drops, which did bring it down again. Will be interesting to see pressures after 9 months use in April nxt appt. Drops are ok, eyes bit sore and dry if wake in night, don’t think any other side effects! Tho would have rather gone without, but nerve already damaged so didn’t want to risk it

[valfrance]

Hi my situation exactly the same in terms of using monoprost then slt. It has worked for you it has come down. I still use monoprost. From my experience it reduced further over time. Its now been almost 3 years since slt. My pressure was 26 before slt..went to 20/21 last check november 17/18. I do take supplements to help eyes and dry eye drops too. Be patient

[KBIOW in reply to valfrance]

Hello,

Can I ask what supplements you take and for what purpose?

Thanks

Katy

[valfrance in reply to KBIOW]

Nutrof total has every vitamin for eyes immune system..blueberry tablets good for eyes thealose duo for dry eyes. Wood under bed at the top end of bed to raise my head higher than my heart when sleeping. Dont gulp water sip it raises pressure. When you have your test get up at least 3 hours before appointment pressure is at its highest after sleeping. I choose 11am appointments. Put your drops in properly see this site for instructions..

[KBIOW in reply to valfrance]

Thank you

[valfrance in reply to KBIOW]

Oh i only drink decaf coffe....caffeine not good for pressure

[Welshsailor in reply to valfrance]

I heard caffeine only effects eye pressure if you are drinking loads of caffeinated drinks a day

[valfrance in reply to Welshsailor]

coffe tea has caffeine..my consultant said reduce intake

[Beecalmed]

I think you could give it a bit more time (if your consultant is happy to ).

I had SLT in one eye and it was deemed a fail. But 6 mths later had it in other eye and pressure in both eyes dropped.

A year on pressures still in target zone and more importantly no retinal bleeds and no progression of vision loss.

[countrygirl1]

I'm sorry you are disappointed with the SLT result. I know how you feel. In June I had SLT after 5 months on Monopost and it seemed to go well.

At my August check-up my pressures were 20 and 21, I also have fairly thin corneas and so am wary of being told by the nurse "it's in the normal range". The pressures hadn't reduced at all. I asked if we should try SLT again and the consultant said "no I wouldn't put you through that again".

However at my January appointment the pressures were 17.8 and 18.1 ( I asked the technician who was doing all the scans and photos, I've never had such a precise measurement before). I felt very much happier and I hope that you may have a reduction given a little more time.

I continue on Monopost nightly, have raised bedhead with wooden blocks, take Vitamin B2 supplements and generally try to imagine my drops as giving a great healing benefit when I use them. If the placebo effect can help I will use it!

Good Luck

[Cocomolyneux]

I am in a very similar situation. I had SLT on 4 Jan. my pressures went from 19 and 18 to 14 and 16 when I was checked last week. I have not been prescribed drops. My ophthalmologist was reasonably happy but said it could take a while for matters to come to a landing. I am seeing him again in 3 months . He did say that SLT could be repeated and that the LIght study had shown a number of people had an improved reduction on the second attempt. Best of luck and fingers crossed we get the reduction we are looking for.

[NewCardinal]

I've had SLT 3 times in both eyes. First time it lasted around 18 months, although I did have to use drops as well as pressure wasn't down far enough. Second time lasted around a year. Third attempt lasted hardly any time at all. Unfortunately we're all different with our eyes so what works for one person doesn't work for another.

[swanlady123]

I had SLT last April 2023 - would never have it again -after 6 wks was back on monopost and i now have floaters in right eye and retinal tear - neither of which i had before. I would never have it again as it was just for eye pressure which was 25 at time -I feel it caused more probs than enough and would never do again. Do not feel I was given correct guidance in my particular situation -but of course cover themselves by making you sign to say all been explained. We are all individuals but often think we are not treated as such these days.