“The DSLT is the newest iteration of SLT. The DSLT has similar results in eye pressure reduction, but the laser is automated, non‑contact, and takes 2.5 seconds to deliver the treatment.” – Dr. Christine Funke.
Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight”—it steals vision so gradually that most people don’t notice until irreversible damage has occurred. At Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center, our glaucoma specialist, Dr. Christine Funke, is harnessing breakthrough diagnostics and low‑risk therapies, including DSLT glaucoma treatment, to catch and halt this disease earlier than ever. Here’s how these life‑changing advances can safeguard your vision.
The Silent Threat
- 4.2 million Americans have glaucoma, and nearly 50 % don’t know it.
- In its earliest stages, glaucoma is symptomless, making routine eye exams your first line of defense.
- Left untreated, elevated intraocular pressure damages the optic nerve, leading to permanent vision loss.
Why Early Detection Matters
- Only about 5 % of glaucoma patients in developed countries progress to legal blindness, and complete blindness is even rarer.
- Annual comprehensive exams can spot subtle changes long before you notice any vision loss.
Spotlight on Dr. Christine Funke
Dr. Funke is one of the Valley’s foremost glaucoma experts. She combines decades of surgical experience with a passion for patient education. Under her leadership, Barnet Dulaney Perkins has become an early adopter of next‑generation laser treatments, making vision preservation safer, faster, and more comfortable.
Cutting‑Edge Laser & Surgical Options
- Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
- A five‑minute, outpatient procedure that uses gentle laser energy to lower eye pressure for years.
- Voyager™ DSLT by Alcon
- The first FDA‑approved, no‑incision laser trabeculoplasty that automates treatment in just 2.5 seconds.
- “The DSLT is the newest iteration of SLT. The DSLT has similar results in eye pressure reduction, but the laser is automated, non‑contact, and takes 2.5 seconds to deliver the treatment,” says Dr. Funke.
- Micro‑invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
- Minimally invasive implants and stents are designed to improve drainage with rapid recovery times.
“In less than 3 seconds, DSLT can stimulate structural healing of the eye’s drainage system, which will slow down vision loss progression in glaucoma.” – Dr. Christine Funke
Who’s at Risk?
- Age 60+ (risk climbs steadily after age 40)
- Family history of glaucoma
- Ethnicity: Black adults (higher angle‑closure risk) and people of Japanese descent (higher normal‑tension risk)
- Systemic health: Diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and long‑term steroid use
Staying vigilant about these factors and sharing them with your eye care team allows us to tailor screenings and therapies to your unique needs.
Take Control of Your Vision Today
Don’t let glaucoma rob you of another moment. With early diagnosis and breakthrough laser therapies like DSLT glaucoma treatment, you can stop its advance in its tracks—and preserve the clear vision you deserve. Schedule a comprehensive exam today!