What is argon laser trabeculoplasty?
The most common type of laser surgery performed for open-angle glaucoma is called Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT). The objective of the surgery is to help fluids drain out of the eye, reducing intra-ocular pressure that can cause damage to the optic nerve and loss of vision.
Is argon used in laser eye surgery?
An argon laser has multiple uses in ophthalmology. Narrow-angle glaucoma treatment: An argon gas laser is used for trabeculoplasty for narrow-angle glaucoma. It improves the drainage of the aqueous humor (eye fluid).
What is an argon laser used for?
Argon laser treatment can be used to treat a number of eye conditions including glaucoma, diabetic eye disease and some retinal holes and tears. It can also be used to prevent an eye condition from getting worse, and sometimes to cure it.
What is trabeculoplasty by laser surgery?
Laser trabeculoplasty uses a very focused beam of light to treat the drainage angle of the eye. This surgery makes it easier for fluid to flow out of the front part of the eye, decreasing pressure in the eye. There are two types of laser trabeculoplasty: Argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT).
Is laser trabeculoplasty safe?
Selective laser trabeculoplasty is safe and effective for reducing IOP in patients with glaucoma. However, not all patients respond to treatment and its effects are not permanent even in those who respond well. In short: Selective laser trabeculoplasty is safe and effective for reducing IOP in patients with glaucoma.
What is the cost of selective laser trabeculoplasty?
In comparison, we estimated the total cost of bilateral SLT to be $675.76, which includes the costs of the procedure ($328.55/eye), prednisolone acetate ($4.74/eye), and timolol ($4.59/eye). We found that SLT would become less costly than generic latanoprost after 13.1 months.
How much does an argon laser cost?
How Much Does Laser – Argon Cost? The prices of some systems can be as low as 500 USD or less, while the newest, high-tier systems may cost as much as 30.000 USD.
What color is an argon laser?
blue/green
So how does an argon gas laser work? This device emits wavelengths of blue/green colored light that is a monochromatic light source and each wavelength has a very narrow bandwidth. In medical applications of the laser, the hemoglobin in the blood cells absorbs the blue/green colored light.
Is selective laser trabeculoplasty covered by Medicare?
Q Does Medicare cover selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT)? A Yes; trabeculoplasty performed with a frequency doubled Nd:YAG laser1 is a covered procedure when it is medically necessary and supported in the patient’s medical record.
What does an argon laser do?
argon laser. laser used for ophthalmic procedures, including retinal photocoagulation and trabeculoplasty, consisting of photons in the blue (488 nm) or green (514 nm) spectrum. Laser used for ophthalmic procedures, including retinal photocoagulation and trabeculoplasty, consisting of photons in the blue (488 nm) or green (514 nm) spectrum.
What is an argon gas laser?
A man named William Bridges at Hughes Aircraft first invented the Argon gas laser in 1964. The Argon laser is a laser system that uses noble gas as the active medium. Argon gas lasers are used in many applications such as forensic medicine, entertainment, general surgery, ophthalmic surgery, holography and as an optical “pumping” source.
What is argon laser surgery?
* Argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT): The surgeon directs a laser beam into the trabecular meshwork to increase drainage of aqueous fluid from the eye. An argon laser has also been acquired and placed at the Cape Town Technikon where panretinal and focal laser will be performed.
What are the risks of laser trabeculoplasty (Lt)?
As with any surgery, there are some risks of complications with laser trabeculoplasty (ALT or SLT). Possible complications include: Failure to adequately lower the eye pressure; Increased pressure in the eye, possibly requiring medications or surgery to lower it; Inflammation in the eye causing pain, redness or blurred vision;