Summary:
Mr Tarun Sharma has 30 years of experience in glaucoma surgery and glaucoma lasers. He has been using SLT laser for 13 years in Worcestershire at Spire Eye Centre. His personal success rate with this SLT laser in 85% and the effect has lasted in many patients for even 7 years.
Mr Sharma purchased a SLT laser for Worcestershire NHS patient through charitable funds. SLT in NHS is done by trained staff grade doctors. The results of these doctors are in line with the National average as documented in LiGHT trial. SLT is now recommended by NICE as first line treatment as it is likely to be the most cost effective treatment for NHS patients.
SLT Laser in Detail:
SLT is an outpatient procedure that reduces intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma by up to 20-30%. Due to the treatment providing great benefits, it is now being offered in earlier in the treatment strategy of Glaucoma after proving to be successful in 80% of patients. A landmark study called LiGHT trial has shown that SLT treatment is providing a similar outcome to the usual treatment of Glaucoma; eye drops. However, once treated, SLT can last up to 3-5 years on patients, and the process can be simply repeated when the effects wear off – this is more convenient for those patients who have complications with using their Glaucoma drops daily, due to allergies or forgetfulness. Some patients may still require eye drops following SLT, however they would not need to be used as frequently, therefore leading to significant cost-savings of those receiving SLT treatment.
The way in which SLT works is that a laser is applied to the drainage system of the eye through a special contact lens, this then stimulates a biochemical change that improves the outflow of fluid from the eye and helps lower the intraocular pressure within the eye. This is a procedure that can be completed within 5-10 minutes, so it is a relatively quick and easy process. The treatment can take up to 3 months to reach its full effect, its aim is to help save your sight and prevent any further vision loss – not save your sight or prevent vision that may have been lost in the past.
SLT is typically painless or results only in minor discomfort. After the procedure, the patient is typically treated with anti-inflammatory eye drops for a couple days. Most patients are scheduled for a return visit within a few weeks to re-evaluate.
Tarun Sharma is a consultant ophthalmic surgeon who carries out his NHS work at Worcestershire Acute NHS Trust since his appointment in 2007.