Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT)2023-03-07T07:34:33-05:00

Halt your glaucoma with selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) in Harrisburg

Learn how this advanced treatment uses a laser to save your sight
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Halt your glaucoma with selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) in Harrisburg

LEARN HOW THIS ADVANCED TREATMENT USES A LASER TO SAVE YOUR SIGHT

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A gentler way to treat glaucoma

Discover how selective laser trabeculoplasty preserves your vision

Selective laser trabeculoplasty suitability criteria

Laser surgery has become increasingly popular as an intermediate step between medications and traditional glaucoma filtration surgery.

Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a relatively new laser treatment for open-angle glaucoma.

Although your doctor may suggest laser surgery at any time, we often suggest it after trying to control intraocular pressure with medicines first. In many cases, you will need to keep taking glaucoma drugs even after laser surgery.

SLT is for those:

  • Who have been diagnosed with glaucoma
  • Whose doctor has determined that SLT is appropriate for controlling their intraocular pressure

SLT uses short pulses of low energy laser light to target melanin-containing cells in a network of tiny channels, called the trabecular meshwork. The objective of the surgery is to help fluids drain out of the eye, reducing intraocular pressure that can cause damage to the optic nerve and loss of vision.

The SLT technique is much less traumatic to the eye than argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT), which has been the standard laser procedure.

ALT can cause tissue destruction and scarring of healthy cells in the trabecular meshwork structure. SLT reduces intraocular pressure without this risk. SLT can be used to treat some patients who could not benefit from ALT. This includes patients who have already been treated with ALT.

Serious complications with SLT are extremely rare, but like any surgical procedure, it does have some risks. Going to a specialist experienced in SLT can minimize the risks.

If you and your doctor decide that SLT is an option for you, you will be given additional information about the procedure that will allow you to make an informed decision about whether to proceed.

Be sure you have all your questions answered to your satisfaction.

Possible risks include:

  • Eye pain or redness
  • Eye pressure that’s still too high or even too low
  • Loss of vision
  • Infection
  • Inflammation
  • Bleeding in your eye

What to expect on procedure day

We will perform your treatment in a specially equipped laser room. It does not require a surgery center.

Step one: Once we have checked you in and made you feel comfortable, we will numb your eyes and position an eyelid holder between your eyelids to prevent you from blinking.

Step two: Your doctor will hold up a special lens to your eye as a high-energy beam of light is aimed at the lens and reflected onto the meshwork inside your eye. You may see flashes of bright green or red light. The laser will selectively target melanin-containing cells, resulting in increased fluid outflow.

You will not feel any pain during the procedure. The procedure takes 10-20 minutes.

Step three: We will check your eye pressure shortly after your procedure and may prescribe you with drops to alleviate any soreness or swelling inside the eye. You should relax for the rest of the day.

Follow-up visits are necessary to monitor your eye pressure.

It may take a few weeks to see the full pressure-lowering effect of this procedure. During this time, you may have to continue taking your medication.

Many patients are eventually able to discontinue some of their medications. Most patients resume activities within a few days.

If you would like more information about this procedure you can make an appointment or contact the office for additional information.

Gain peace of mind in 3 easy steps

WE’LL HELP YOU RESOLVE YOUR EYE CONCERNS AND GET BACK TO ENJOYING LIFE

Contact us

Give us a call on (717) 657-2020 or book an appointment online. Our warm and friendly team are here to guide you every step of the way.

We’ll meet

Visit our office in Harrisburg for an assessment that will give you a complete understanding of your treatment options.

Enjoy peace of mind

In no time at all, you’ll have everything under control and will be able to resume life as normal – free from any worrying eye conditions

Worried that glaucoma might cause you to lose your sight?

Managing glaucoma doesn’t need to be scary or stressful. Book an appointment today and we’ll help you regain control of your vision and put your mind at ease

Free yourself from the hassle and frustration of an eye problem

GIVE YOURSELF PEACE OF MIND WITH EXPERT ASSISTANCE

My eyes feel dry, gritty and irritated

Whether you’re working on your laptop, driving to the shops or simply catching up with friends, dry eyes can be not only painful and a nuisance but can lead to more serious eye damage long term. Click here to learn more and protect your eyes…

I’ve been diagnosed with a worrying eye condition

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with a worrying eye condition like open angle glaucoma, narrow angle glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy or macular degeneration then you’ll want to see an expert as soon as possible. Click here to learn more about your eye condition and then book an appointment.

Mine (or my child’s) eyes are pink, uncomfortable or crossed

Red, inflamed or gunky eyes can indicate an infection. Click here to relieve your eyes.

Another common concern we see mostly in children is strabismus (also called crossed eyes). Click here to find out why you need to address your child’s crossed or lazy eyes as soon as possible.

“I had no idea it would make such a huge difference to my life”

Thousands of happy cataract surgery patients in Central PA

We help people in and around the Harrisburg community live it up with better vision AFTER CATARACTS

My wait time was minimal and I was pleased to note the furniture arrangement for social distancing and the sanitation practices in progress. All in all it was a much more relaxing experience than I anticipated and I was impressed by the procedures taken to assure safe practices for the safety of the patients and staff while reducing stress on the patients.

C.J.S.

I was well taken care of. They took good care of my things. Dr. Erik Chotiner did an excellent job. I am so happy to see quite clearly with my eye that has macular degeneration.

S.D.H.

I had cataract surgery and correction of an astigmatism. In one word……excellent!

Ray Jaffev

First time in 78 years I can see well without prescription lenses! I was apprehensive to have any elective surgery during the pandemic with my age and health history. The staff sensed it and made an effort to deal with it very professionally.

W.H.R

I am a first time patient at your practice. Everyone was so nice and knowledgeable. Overall it was a great experience. I did not realize how bad my vision was. I am amazed! The get well flowers were a nice touch!

J.B.

I was somewhat jittery about returning to the office after the COVID restrictions were lifted. My concerns were put to rest from the moment I stepped through the door and was greeted by an associate who took my temperature, asked pertinent questions, and offered hand sanitizer, as well as being very friendly. The check in and co-pay payment went equally as smoothly.

C.J.S

As a rookie having my first visit at Memorial Eye in May 2020, I asked for a doctor that was patient and that is exactly what I got in Dr. Kowalski. He took his time and explained my options to me. My testing was extensive and thorough. The staff was very kind and made me feel relaxed during the surgery. A 5 star rating from beginning to end. Well done!

J.E.R.

My care for cataract removal was superb. The team in the surgical suite was very organized, efficient, and caring. Their expertise was so excellent. Everyone who works there was very skillful in their work and courteous. Dr. Chotiner is kind and extremely skilled. He was outstanding!

M.V.

I had my surgery done for a cataract and to correct my astigmatism. I can see better out of the eye that Dr Chotiner performed surgery on without the need for a corrective lens than I can see out of the other eye with my glasses on. The surgery was delayed because of the whole Covid virus closings, but when it was performed it went incredibly well and I could not be happier with the results.

Robin

The doctor and his staff made my cataract surgeries a ‘piece of cake’. I have been coming here since I moved to Harrisburg 37 years ago. Dr. Chotiner performed cataract six years ago and my sight is as good as it was when I was young. As long as the light is reasonable, I do not even need over the counter reading glasses.

Claire Bodner

The staff and doctor were very accommodating. Always on time, if not earlier with appointments. The surgical staff was very attentive to any needs such as extra blankets if needed, and making sure you were comfortable while you waited for your surgery.

Pam C

I am so glad the doctor suggested LRI with my cataract surgery. I had never heard of it but it is amazing how my astigmatism is dissipating slowly and it is the reason I started wearing glasses 30 years ago! Even working around pandemic guidelines everyone is polite and cooperates as a team.

A.A.N.

I cannot thank Dr. Chotiner and his staff enough for what they have done for me. I had LASIK here 16 years ago and that was a life changing event for me. Prior to that, my vision was always poor and then (after surgery) it was great. Now I have cataracts and once again, getting the first eye done was a life changing experience.

Richard Brandt

We have replaced the images of real patients who provided these testimonials to protect their privacy.

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We answer your questions about eye surgery

Our Harrisburg eye specialists give you the straight goods on the world’s most popular elective procedures

Academic resources on glaucoma

FOLLOW THE LINKS BELOW TO DISCOVER MORE ABOUT THIS TREATMENT FROM AUTHORITATIVE SOURCES

The AAO on glaucoma treatment

Glaucoma damage is permanent—it cannot be reversed. But medicine and surgery help to stop further damage. To treat glaucoma, your ophthalmologist may use one or more of the following treatments. Click here to read on.

Surgery isn’t usually the first step to treat glaucoma, but it may save your eyesight if other treatments don’t work. Click here to read on.

This article explores the potential risks of glaucoma surgery and explains why the benefits outweigh risks for most advanced cases. Click here to read on.

Voted “Simply the Best” by the Harrisburg community

We are honoured to have received the following community awards

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Do you have a worrying eye problem?

We understand that any issue with your eyes can be concerning. Book an appointment today, and we’ll help you get to the bottom of your issue and put your mind at ease

Recognized leaders in Harrisburg LASIK eye surgery

CHOOSE THE MOST EXPERIENCED LASIK SPECIALISTS IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA

Dr. Bennett Chotiner
M.D., F.A.C.S.

MEDICAL DIRECTOR, GENERAL OPHTHALMOLOGY, CATARACT & REFRACTIVE SURGERY, LASIK SURGERY

Dr. Bennett Chotiner is the founder and medical director of Memorial Eye Institute. A noted innovator, in 1977 he established his clinical practice, the Pennsylvania Eye Associates. In 1984, he established the Pennsylvania Eye Surgery Center, Pennsylvania’s first …

Learn more >

Dr. Erik A Chotiner
M.D., F.A.C.S.

GENERAL OPHTHALMOLOGY, CATARACT & REFRACTIVE SURGERY, LASIK SURGERY

Erik Chotiner, M.D. diagnoses and treats a wide range of medical eye conditions. He is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Franklin and Marshall College. Dr. Chotiner attended Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia where he received multiple awards including the Physiology Prize for …

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Dr. Richard M. Kowalski
Dr. Richard M. KowalskiO.D
Dr. Kowalski is a specialist in comprehensive eye care, refractive surgery consultations and contact lenses…

Learn more >

Dr. Kenneth H. Levin
Dr. Kenneth H. LevinM.D. F.A.C.S
Dr. Levin is a specialist in cataract surgery, glaucoma and general ophthalmology

Learn more >

Dr. Bradford K. Sgrignoli
Dr. Bradford K. SgrignoliD.O
Dr. Sgrignoli is a specialist in retina and vitreous disease & surgery, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy…

Learn more >

Dr. Michael J. Silvetti
Dr. Michael J. SilvettiO.D
Dr. Silvetti is a specialist in comprehensive eye care, refractive surgery consultations, contact lenses and low vision consultations…

Learn more >

Dr. Katherine Won
Dr. Katherine WonO.D
Dr. Won is a specialist in comprehensive eye care and contact lenses…

Learn more >

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