LASER GLAUCOMA SURGERY
Laser surgeries have become important in the treatment of different eye problems and diseases. There are several types of laser surgery used to treat glaucoma.
The type of laser surgery will depend on the form of glaucoma and how severe it is. Lasers produce a focused beam of light that can make a very small burn or opening in your eye tissue, depending on the strength of the light beam. Laser surgeries are performed in an outpatient setting in your doctor’s office or in a hospital clinic.
During the laser surgery, the eye is numbed so that there is little or no pain. The eye doctor then holds a special lens to the eye. The laser beam is aimed into the eye, and there is a bright light, like a camera flash.
The following are the most common laser surgeries to treat glaucoma.
- SLT: For the treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).
SLT uses a laser that works at very low levels. It treats specific cells “selectively,” leaving untreated portions of the trabecular meshwork intact. For this reason, SLT may be safely repeated.
SLT may be an alternative for those who have been treated unsuccessfully with ALT or pressure-lowering drops.
- Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT): For the treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).
The laser beam opens the fluid channels of the eye, helping the drainage system work better. In many cases, medication will still be needed.
Usually, half the fluid channels are treated first. If necessary, the other fluid channels can be treated in a separate session another time. This method prevents over-correction and lowers the risk of increased pressure following surgery.
Argon laser trabeculoplasty has successfully lowered eye pressure in up to 75% of patients treated.
- Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI): For the treatment of narrow angles and narrow-angle glaucoma.
Narrow-angle glaucoma (also known as angle-closure glaucoma) occurs when the angle between the iris and the cornea in the eye is too small. This causes the iris to block fluid drainage, increasing inner eye pressure. LPI makes a small hole in the iris, allowing it to fall back from the fluid channel and helping the fluid drain.
An alternative to filtering microsurgery that is typically used later in the treatment algorithm. Several different types of lasers can be used to hamper the ciliary body’s ability to make fluid and, thus, lower the eye pressure. The procedure may need to be repeated in order to permanently control glaucoma.
Pain or Discomfort from Glaucoma Laser Surgery:There is a slight stinging sensation associated with LPI and ALT. In YAG CP laser surgery, a local anesthetic is used to numb the eye. Once the eye has been numbed, there should be little or no pain and discomfort.
Long-term Benefits of Glaucoma Laser Surgery: Glaucoma laser surgeries help to lower the intraocular pressure (IOP) in the eye. The length of time the IOP remains lower depends on the type of laser surgery, the type of glaucoma, age, race, and many other factors. Some people may need the surgery repeated to better control the pressure IOP.