Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) for Glaucoma Minneapolis

The ophthalmology experts at Chu Vision Institute are committed to providing the highest standard of care to help glaucoma patients ease their symptoms.

Laser Treatment Options for Glaucoma

For individuals who have not found success with prescription eye drops, our team may recommend a selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT). The SLT procedure is a type of laser surgery that applies laser energy to the eye’s drainage tissue (trabecular meshwork) to boost the flow of eye fluid. With glaucoma, the optic nerve becomes injured due to blocked fluid in the eye. Unfortunately, this damage can lead to gradual blindness. There is no cure for glaucoma, but any future vision loss can be limited when the condition is managed with SLT or other appropriate solutions. Board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Ralph Chu is highly experienced in performing SLT with leading-edge technologies to treat the clogged drainage system associated with glaucoma. The SLT is a safe and effective treatment that has been used worldwide for the last two decades. To learn more about options to help preserve your existing vision, contact our office in Minneapolis/Bloomington, MN.

Best Candidates For SLT

The SLT procedure is ideal for men and women who have mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma. Typically, patients who receive SLT have not been able to properly manage their condition with first-line defense treatments, such as glaucoma eye drops. When you visit our office for your initial consultation, our team will perform a comprehensive eye exam and diagnostic tests to determine if you qualify for SLT. After your exam, Dr. Chu will discuss your results and whether he thinks SLT would be the best solution to treat your glaucoma. If not, he can talk about other potential treatments. At Chu Vision Institute, we care about you as an individual and will work with you to determine the best option to manage your glaucoma symptoms.

How SLT Is Performed

We perform selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) as an outpatient procedure at our on-site surgery center here at Chu Vision Institute. This minimally invasive treatment utilizes targeted laser light energy to precisely create “micro-injuries” in the trabecular meshwork, which controls the flow of aqueous fluid. These small injuries promote the body’s natural healing mechanism to help the trabecular meshwork produce healthy tissue so the eye can drain properly. The laser is applied selectively, meaning it won’t damage the surrounding tissue. To ensure you stay comfortable throughout the procedure, Dr. Chu will numb your eye with anesthetic drops before he begins.

What To Expect After SLT

SLT is a mild treatment so you can expect to get right back to your normal routine following your procedure. Some patients may experience slight eye irritation or blurry vision for the next day or so as the treatment takes effect. It’s also important to keep in mind that you might not experience results right away.

SLT works by stimulating your body’s natural healing process so healthy cells will begin to regenerate over time; sometimes this takes several months. After SLT, it is essential to routinely check your intraocular pressure levels.

In addition, Dr. Chu may request that you attend follow-up visits at our Bloomington, MN office to monitor your progress. The results can last for up to five years, at which time you may need to return for a subsequent treatment.

Patient Reviews

I was diagnosed with a cataract in my left eye in February 2005 eye doctor set me up with Dr Chu who did the surgery. I had worn glasses since the 50’s after surgery I no ...

Brenda H.

PRK was the best decision I have ever done. I wouldn’t have explored surgery options with any other clinic or surgeon. Eye surgery is nerve racking, but Dr Chu and his tea...

Ciarra

I had the most amazing experience at Chu Vision! Every aspect of my journey getting the Light Adjustable Lens' to correct my vision was wonderful. Can't say enough of Dr Chu and...

Maria B.

Dr. Chu is an excellent doctor. I felt confident in his knowledge and ability as a surgeon. He is a very kind and caring person and felt very comfortable with him. His staff is ...

Carol K.

I knew from the moment I walked into Chu Vision, this would be where I wanted to have my cataracts taken care of. The staffers are very professional, knowledgeable and helpful. ...

Judy T.

Staff are friendly, waiting time is not long. The clinic is run like a well oiled machine!

Barb H.

My vision is fantastic! Amazing stuff!

Darcie N.

I had been in need of cataract surgery for a while. I was having trouble finding a surgeon that I wanted to touch my eyes! Then my son had Laser Surgery at Chu Institute and was...

Pattie H.

Even with my medical background, this was out of my area of expertise, so I was pretty nervous. Quickly I was reassured by their very comprehensive examination, excellent profes...

Orlando

Very thorough, professional, and uplifting

Carolyn S.

The teamwork at the Chu Vision Institute is fantastic. They are careful to answer one's questions, diligent about prepping for surgery, and of course the surgeons are top notch....

Jeffrey S.

I had never had cataract surgery before, so thus was unexplored territory for me. The preparatory videos, however, were invaluable. I had numerous follow-up phone calls from Chu...

Brian M.

I had LASIK done at Chu Vision today. I was so impressed with every step of the process. They have clearly thought of each step of the client experience. I am confident in the f...

Kielyn S.

I have been going to Chu Vision for annual eye appointments for eight years. All annual appointments were done by caring professionals. This year, the need for cata...

Linda U.

Chu Vision was recommended to me by a friend and I could not be happier with the facility and staff. Everyone was always so friendly, you can tell they all really enjoy what the...

Mara M.

Light tunable cataract surgery lens replacement. Satisfied with the results. Can see great at long distance and up close with glasses. Professionally run organization. Everyone ...

Rick M.

I had the EVO ICL procedure done and am so happy with the results!! It’s crazy to think I won’t need contacts or glasses anymore, and waking up each morning being ab...

Andrea E.

This was by far the best eye vision clinic I have ever been to. They are so polite and caring. Dr. Chu absolutely knows what he is doing and so personable. Gr...

JoEllen S.

Absolute the Cadillac of any business I have been a part of. Excellent communication, empathic nurses and techs, excellent doctors, and best of all- my vision! I am blown away b...

Becky H.

If every health care facility operated as seamlessly and as patient oriented as this one, we would have truly compassionate, passionate and professional services that rival none...

Anonymous

I had a refractive lens exchange (RLE) procedure with Chu nearly 2 years ago, and I still think about how much it has improved my day-to-day life nearly every day! I had extreme...

Karla R.

Chu Vision is a highly professional and extremely caring Institute. My cataract surgery went well and Dr. Chu and his entire staff were amazing! They truly cared for...

Sherri R.

I cannot say enough GREAT things about Dr. Chu and the ENTIRE staff at Chu Vision!

I had the Implantable Contact Lens(ICL) procedure done at Chu Vision Institute, and I cannot say enough GREAT things about Dr. Chu and the ENTIRE staff at Chu Vision! I ha...

Jackie O.

I'm taking lessons for my own business in how thorough they are.

I am so impressed with this clinic from start to finish. They are a well-oiled machine, and have clearly considered the patient experience all the way through. I felt comfortabl...

Kielyn S.

I can now drive without glasses.

Chu Vision did a great job. From the initial evaluations through the cataract surgery I had on both of my eyes. Everything went smoothly and as planned. It has now been three mo...

Mike K.

The team there made you feel comfortable and at ease

I had cataract surgery. The care was unbelievable the team there made you feel comfortable and at ease. All my follow up visits was all about my healing process and even the pho...

Willie F.

My life has been forever changed

I walked into Chu Vision and my life has been forever changed. I had been wearing glasses for almost 25years and after doing my research chose Dr. Chu for my surgery. I cannot c...

Bridget V.

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You Have Options For Glaucoma

Glaucoma can greatly impact your day-to-day routine and cause significant stress. At Chu Vision Institute, we want to provide the best care possible to help you decrease your symptoms so you can worry less. If you have been diagnosed with mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma, let us help. Get in touch with our office to schedule your consultation in Bloomington, MN.

Our caring team is here to educate you about your glaucoma and help you choose the best treatment for your needs. Board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Ralph Chu is a fellowship-trained corneal specialist and a nationally recognized leader in refractive and cataract procedures. His specialty areas include cataract, LASIK, cornea, and minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries for patients in the Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Twin Cities areas.