There are a number of tests that can be used to measure pressure within the eye and to examine the flow of fluid through the chambers of the eye and the trabecular meshwork. The gold standard test of intraocular pressure is Goldmann applanation...

tonometry, which uses a device placed directly on the eye to measure pressure within it. It may also useful to have a record of what the back of the eye (retina) looks like in order to document damage that may have been caused by the increased intraocular pressure and to demonstrate improvement with selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT).

 

Generally SLT is used for people that are not helped by eye drops alone or who have problems taking eye drop medications. Some studies have shown that nine out of ten patients with glaucoma do not use their glaucoma medication as prescribed. Like blood pressure, intraocular pressure does not always cause symptoms when it is abnormally high. Thus damage may be occurring in patients who were previously prescribed pressure-lowering eye drops. Patients that have trouble complying with daily self administration of eye drops may be offered selective laser trabeculoplasty as a more permanent treatment option.

 

Selective laser trabeculoplasty is primarily used for the following disorders of the eye: primary open angle glaucoma, intraocular hypertension, normal tension glaucoma, aphakic glaucoma (glaucoma in patients without a natural lens in their eye), and pigmentary and juvenile glaucoma. SLT has also been successfully used to treat pressure increases in the eye that are caused by certain medications.