Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty or ALT is a procedure used to treat one of the leading causes of blindness in seniors today, glaucoma. Catching glaucoma early is important to preventing further damage. If caught early enough, glaucoma can be treated quite easily with medication however, occasionally, something more is needed to treat. One treatment used in cases such as these is the ALT procedure.
About ALT
ALT was originally introduced in 1979 as a treatment for non-medically controlled glaucoma. Today, ALT and SLT are both commonly used to reduce the damage of glaucoma quite effectively. ALT is most often recommended to patients who have open angle glaucoma which is not improving with medication however, each patient is unique and you and your doctor will need to discuss if it is right for you.
How it Works
ALT reduces pressure in the eye by facilitating the draining of fluid. When a person suffers from open angle glaucoma, the normal drainage site of the eye does not function correctly, building up pressure in the eye and causing loss of vision. ALT uses an argon laser beam directed at this portion of the eye to allow the fluid to drain more effectively and stopping damage to the eye.
What to Expect During and After
Your surgery will be an outpatient surgery and should not take very long. Your eye will be numbed with eye drops and restrained to stop blinking. Your doctor will uses a special microscope and laser to make small burns in the trabecular meshwork to allow the eye to drain properly.
After surgery, you will need to have follow up visits to ensure that all is proceeding correctly however, within a few days, vision should be clearer. As with any surgery procedure, if you feel uncomfortable or have concerns, seek out medical attention right away.
Although ALT does not restore any sight already lost, it should stop or at least, slow down any further loss of vision. This is a optional procedure and with all procedures, there are risks. Be sure you are informed before you make any decisions about surgery with your eyes. Your Graying Eye Surgeon will sit down and discuss the procedure its risks and benefits with you before you begin.
If you are looking for an eye doctor or an eye surgeon in Grayling, Alpine Eye Care can help. We are located at 1200 W. North Down River Rd Grayling, MI. You can contact us locally at 989-348-8689 or toll free at 1-877-SEE-2020. You may also set up an appointment online here. Your eyes are a gift, take care of them.