SLT for juvenile glaucoma

[bjohn504]

Hi, my doctor would like me to have SLT in one eye (has a test) to lower my IOP (Xalatan is not enough apparently)...
I've red a couple of studies on SLT and some pretend that SLT is coutner indicated for Juvenile glaucoma (it could raise IOP instead of lowering it)

I'm 31 years old...

Any thoughts ?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Let us know how it turns out. Good luck.
JCH MD

[bjohn504]

Thanks a lot doctor, I'll do

Regards,
John

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

At 30 you are not a 'juvenile" and neither is your glaucoma.  SLT is generally very safe and is a primary treatment for people that have lots of trouble with drops( parkinson tremors, stroke paralysis, bad coordination and mentally incompetent such as Alzeimheimers.).   The SLT is gnerally considered equal to one drop so even if you are treated and respond you likely will need to stay on xalatan.

You need to ask your Eye MD what type of glaucoma your have often in young like you its pigmentary glaucoma or pseudofoliation glaucoma.

You can always get a second opinion.

JCH MD

[bjohn504]

Thanks a lot Dr for your response, I will certainly talk to my doctor about this.

I've been diagnosed at 30 years old and had already vision loss and optic nerve damage... Is juvenille glaucoma detected yearlier that at 30 ?

If I may, I would like to ask another question...

My doctor told me that SLT is now a primary treatment against Glaucoma, that is why he suggested me to switch treatments... It sounds like you would first try other options ? Does this mean SLT could be potentially risky for my age ?

Thanks a lot for your response,
John

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Most likely you do not have juvenile glaucoma which is present at birth or develops in early life.  

There are lots of other options try lumigan or travatan both of which are usually stronger than xalatan plus there are three other families of medications to try.

JCH MD