The type of laser surgery will depend on the form of glaucoma and how severe it is. Laser surgeries are performed in an outpatient setting in our hospital.
The following are the most common laser procedures to treat glaucoma.
- Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) for Open Angle Glaucoma
- Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) for Angle Closure Glaucoma
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is used in 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.
Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI)
Laser Peripheral Iridotomy is used for the treatment of Angle Closure and Angle Closure Glaucoma.
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.
Laser Cyclophotocoagulation
An alternative to filtering microsurgery that is typically used as last stage in the treatment algorithm usually reserved for patient with poor no vision potential. 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.
Other types of laser procedure done at our hospital
- Argon Laser Peripheral Iridoplasty
- YAG Laser anterior Hyalodotomy