Laser Iridotomy for Glaucoma
Laser iridotomy uses a very focused beam of light to create a hole on the outer edge, or rim, of the iris, the colored part of the eye. This opening allows fluid (aqueous humor) to flow between the anterior chamber, the front part of the eye, and the area behind the iris, the posterior chamber. This opening may decrease pressure in the eye and usually prevents sudden buildup of pressure within the eye, which occurs during an episode of acute closed-angle glaucoma.
Some people feel a sensation of heat in the eye during laser surgeries. But there usually is no pain after laser iridotomy.
Nearly half of the estimated 2.5 million eye injuries reported each year happen in and around the home, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Ocular Trauma. More than 40% of those eye injuries happen during everyday activities such as cooking. Here's how to protect your eyes while you're working in the kitchen: Keep safety glasses handy. Most of us think of safety glasses for operating potentially dangerous power equipment. But protective eyewear has...
Read the Eye Injuries in the Kitchen article > >
What To Expect After Surgery
Laser iridotomy can be done without admitting the person to a hospital. The person may need to see his or her doctor 1 hour after laser surgery. The person will also need to see the doctor for a follow-up exam as recommended.
Why It Is Done
Laser iridotomy is used to:
- Treat closed-angle glaucoma after the pressure in the affected eye has been reduced with medicine or when medicines fail.
- Prevent closed-angle glaucoma in people who have narrow drainage angles and those people who have had closed-angle glaucoma in their other eye.
How Well It Works
Laser iridotomy can prevent further episodes of sudden (acute) closed-angle glaucoma.
Laser iridotomy can usually prevent slow-forming (subacute) closed-angle glaucoma in people who are at risk for closed-angle glaucoma.
Sometimes people can take less medicine to treat glaucoma after having laser iridotomy.
Risks
Complications of laser iridotomy may include:
- Brief blurred vision (common).
- Swelling of the clear covering (cornea) of the iris.
- Bleeding.
- Increased pressure in the eye.
- Closure of the new opening. A second surgery might be needed if the new opening closes.
- Burn to the inner lining of the eye (retinal burn). This is a very rare complication.
Later complications that may develop include:
- Worsening of clouding of the lens (cataract) that was present before laser treatment.
- Closure of the opening.
- Recurrent closed-angle glaucoma.
- Development of another type of glaucoma.
- Continuing need for medicines (depends on the person's condition before laser treatment).
- Glare from light entering through the new opening.
What To Think About
Closed-angle glaucoma usually affects both eyes over time. When sudden (acute) closed-angle glaucoma occurs in one eye and laser surgery has been done on that eye, laser iridotomy is usually done on the other eye to prevent the condition from developing. Without treatment, there is a 50% chance that closed-angle glaucoma will also develop in the unaffected eye.1
High pressure in the eyes may continue after laser iridotomy. The person may need to be monitored closely for this even after the procedure. Some people may require additional treatment, such as eyedrops, to lower the eye pressure.
Complete the surgery information form (PDF)
(What is a PDF document?) to help you prepare for this surgery.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
On Eye Health
Today in Eye Health
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
©2005-2012 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.