What is a laser iridotomy?
A laser iridotomy is when we use a laser to create a small hole in the coloured part of the iris as shown in the picture to the right. This allows the fluid in the eye to move freely, even if the drainage channel becomes blocked.
When do we do laser iridotomy?
The fluid in the eye drains through channels at the front of the eye.
In some people the drainage channel is much narrower. This channel can become blocked. If this happens the fluid is unable to drain. As such the fluid builds up, and so does the pressure in the eye.
As the pressure gets higher, it can cause damage to the nerve at the back of the eye. This is known as acute angle closure glaucoma. When this happens it can cause permanent loss of side and central vision. It can make you feel sick, and have a severe headache, and painful red eye.
A laser iridotomy can be done to prevent this happening in those who have narrower drainage channels.
It can also be done treat those who have acute angle closure glaucoma.
What are the benefits of a laser iridotomy?
If you have acute angle closure glaucoma, the laser can help reduce the pressure in your eye. It helps to save what vision you have. It does not restore sight.
If you have not had any symptoms or visual loss, the laser can help prevent you getting acute angle closure glaucoma in the future.
What are the risks?
The laser is usually very straightforward. However, there are some risks:
Bleeding – this happens at the iris the coloured part of the eye. Some gentle pressure can stop the bleeding
Inflammation – the eye can become inflamed afterwards.
Increase in pressure after the treatment – directly after the treatment you might get a sudden increase in pressure in your eye. You can be given treatment to control this
Cataract – laser can sometimes cause the lens in the eye to become cloudier quicker, which means you may develop cataract sooner
What happens on the day of treatment?
The laser is carried out in the outpatient clinic
Before the laser
- When you arrive drops will be put in your eye, which will make your pupil small. This gives us more room to aim the laser.
- The doctor will go through a consent form and ask you any questions you may have.
During laser
- You will be seated in front of the laser machine which looks similar to the microscope used to examine your eyes in clinic.
- A special contact lens is then placed on the surface of the eye. This is not painful but may feel strange.
- During the treatment you may hear clicking noises and see flashing lights. It lasts between 5-10 minutes.
- Most patients tolerate this treatment well but a few may feel some slight discomfort.
After the laser
- After the laser we ask you to wait for 1 hour. We then measure the pressure in your eye. We do this as some patients get high pressure after the treatment. If this happens we are able to give you extra treatment, which may be some extra drops, tablets, or in some cases an injection.
- Your eye may be pink and sore, and your vision may be blurred for the rest of the day. As such we advise you not to drive afterwards.
- You will be given extra drops to go home on to help stop any inflammation afterwards.
- If you are on drops for glaucoma, continue to use them after the laser unless told otherwise.
Signs to look out for
If you experience any of the following contact eye clinic for advice or attend urgent care out of hours
- Severe pain
- Redness
- Reduction in vision
- Increase in blurriness.
Fairhurst building eye clinic details
Telephone number - 01282 804201
Opening hours
Monday to Friday 8am-8pm
Saturday 9am – 2pm
Sunday 9am – 2pm