Intraocular pressure (IOP) is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg). Laser can be used to reduce the IOP by either selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT Laser) or YAG laser iridotomy (YAG PI Laser).

Glaucoma laser treatment, in the form of  Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT Laser), is the first line of treatment recommended by for people with IOP of 24mmHg or more, primary angle closure glaucoma, and those at risk of visual impairment is  (NICE). This treatment reduces the eyes production of aqueous fluid with a resulting decrease in the intraocular pressure.

Patients with narrow drainage angles who are experiencing, or at risk of, acute angle closure glaucoma can be treated with a YAG laser iridotomy  (YAG PI) which creates a small peripheral hole in the iris to allow normal drainage of aqueous, reducing the risk of a sudden intraocular pressure rise.

Process:

Glaucoma laser treatment, both SLT laser and YAG PI laser, are performed as an outpatient procedure

After using an anaesthetic drop a special contact lens is placed on your eye

Laser treatment takes 10-15 minutes per eye

Following treatment you will be given anti-inflammatory drops to use for one week

My Eye Clinic can provide expert consultant assessment of glaucoma.

My Eye Clinic has a full range of diagnostic equipment for glaucoma: corneal thickness measurement, intraocular pressure measurement, drainage angle assessment, automated visual field assessment and OCT scans of the optic disc.

My Eye Clinic has an excellent new laser machine that can perform selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT Laser) and YAG laser peripheral iridotomy (YAG PI Laser).

Risks:

Temporary redness and discomfort

Temporary blurring of vision

Temporary increase in intraocular pressure

Intraocular pressure (IOP) is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg). Laser can be used to reduce the eye intraocular pressure by either selective laser trabeculoplasty or YAG laser iridotomy.