Laser Glaucoma

There are 3 types of laser for Glaucoma:

• Peripheral Iridotomy
• Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty
• Cyclodiode

Each type of laser is used for a different type of Glaucoma.

Peripheral Iridotomy (PI)

PI is a procedure which involves using a laser to create a small hole in the iris to help the circulation of fluid within the eye.

PI is advised when a patient is at risk of developing acute angle closure or angle closure glaucoma. Patients who are at risk of developing these forms of glaucoma have what is described as a “shallow anterior chamber”, which is when the space at the front of the eye (between the cornea and the iris) from which fluid in the eye normally drains out from, is narrowed, and at risk of closing off completely. Acute angle closure occurs when there is a sudden closure of this drainage space and typically results in severe eye pain, blurred vision, very high eye pressure and is an emergency situation. Angle closure glaucoma occurs when there is a more gradual narrowing of this drainage space and causes a moderate rise in eye pressure that can cause progressive damage to the optic nerve and lead to loss of vision. In both cases, PI can prevent these events from occurring.

How is PI laser given?

• The treatment is carried out in the outpatient clinic, using a laser machine similar to the slit-lamp that is used to examine patients’ eyes.
• A drop of Pilocarpine is instilled 30 minutes prior to the procedure to help prepare the eye.
• A drop of local anaesthetic is then applied and a contact lens is placed on the eye to help the doctor focus accurately on the iris.
• Normally, 1 or 2 brief laser shots are required to create the necessary opening in the iris. Patients will hear a slight “cracking” sound of the laser machine as the shots are applied.
• Usually, both eyes are treated at the same visit.
• A drop of Iopidine is instilled to help prevent any immediate eye pressure rise.
• The eye pressure is checked 30 minutes after the procedure.
• Patients are given steroid eye drops to use for 1 week after the procedure.
• Patients are reviewed again after 1 week.

What are the risks of PI laser?

PI laser is a common procedure and is highly effective in preventing sight threatening glaucoma.

The small risks of complications include inflammation in the eye, raised eye pressure, localised cataract formation, glare and rarely double vision.

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)

SLT is a simple, effective laser procedure that reduces eye pressure. It works by applying a low energy laser to the drainage system of the eye, and helps to increase the amount of fluid that is removed from the eye.

Who can benefit from SLT?

SLT is appropriate in patients who have:

• Newly diagnosed glaucoma or ocular hypertension
• Patients already on drop therapy, but still have raised eye pressure
• Patients who are intolerant of glaucoma drop therapy

How is SLT given?

• The treatment is carried out in the outpatient clinic, using a laser machine similar to the slit-lamp that is used to examine patients’ eyes.
• A drop of local anaesthetic is then applied and a contact lens is placed on the eye to help the doctor focus accurately on the drainage system at the front of the eye.
• Normally, 100 brief laser shots to the drainage system are required. No pain is felt during the procedure and the procedure takes 5-10 minutes to complete.
• The eye pressure is checked 30 minutes after the procedure.
• Patients are reviewed again after 1 month.

How is Cyclodiode laser performed?

• Cyclodiode laser is performed in the operating room as a day case procedure.
• A local anaesthetic injection is given around the eye
• Approximately 20-30 laser shots are applied to the eye using a special probe that is placed on the surface of the eye. The procedure usually takes 5-10 minutes.
• Steroid eye drops are given for 1 week after the procedure and patients are advised to continue with their normal Glaucoma medications.

What are the risks of Cyclodiode laser?

Cyclodiode laser is a safe and effective procedure. However, patients should be aware of the following potential complications prior to undergoing treatment:

• Hypotony (too low eye pressure)
• Inflammation in the eye
• Retinal or choroidal detachment
• Thinning of the eye
• Bleeding in the eye