Laser treatment 09/09/2013

Laser iridotomy

Laser iridotomy is an outpatient procedure carried out with an Nd:YAG laser.

This is usually indicated as a preventative measure in narrow angle eyes to prevent acute glaucoma due to pupillary block. It is also highly effective in treating an attack of acute glaucoma.

A small hole is made with the laser in the periphery of the iris that creates an alternative route for the aqueous humour trapped in the posterior chamber to pass into the anterior chamber, allowing the iris to retreat, stop blocking the trabecular meshwork and balance up the pressure between the chambers.

Laser trabeculoplasty

Laser trabeculoplasty is a technique in which laser energy is applied to the trabecular meshwork in separate bursts, in each session normally covering half the angle to be treated (180°), in order to increase the outflow of aqueous humour and thereby reduce intraocular pressure.

If open-angle glaucoma is detected via gonioscopy, those patients who are intolerant to or cannot follow the initial medical treatment may be candidates for laser trabeculoplasty. This is also usually carried out when the treatment of the intraocular pressure with collyria is not effective or when patients cannot undergo surgery. In some cases it may be indicated as an initial treatment for glaucoma.

Transscleral cyclophotocoagulation

Diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation is a surgical procedure. Carried out in an operating theatre, the laser is applied to the area of the eye producing aqueous humour (ciliary body) to reduce the production of liquid and therefore intraocular pressure.

Cycloablation is indicated to reduce intraocular pressure in eyes with very weak sight, pain or when incision surgery is not recommended.

This is a fast, effective procedure in the right cases.