Laser Peripheral Iridotomy | Brisbane Eye Specialist & Glaucoma Laser Treatment

LASER PERIPHERAL IRIDOTOMY

Laser peripheral iridotomy is a laser treatment used for patients who are at risk of developing acute angle closure glaucoma or patients who have chronic narrow angle glaucoma.

In acute angle closure glaucoma, the fluid inside the eye can not pass into the anterior chamber and be drained from the eye. The iris is pushed forward onto the drainage area of the eye and the fluid builds up as its outflow is restricted, resulting in an increase in the pressure inside the eye. Laser peripheral iridotomy is the treatment of choice in these cases and it is also a prophylactic treatment for eyes which are at risk of developing an acute angle closure to prevent a future rise in pressure and loss of vision.

peripheral iridotomy laser is applied to the colour part of the eye, the iris, to reduce pressure inside the eye

Anterior OCT scan provides a detailed image of the angle structures — At City Eye Centre, we perform OCT scans to accurately assess the angle structures which drain the fluid from the eyes and determine your suitability for the laser peripheral iridotomy procedure.

What is involved in laser peripheral iridotomy?

Laser peripheral iridotomy creates a small hole in the iris and this turns into an additional outflow channel allowing the fluid to flow into the anterior chamber. A special lens will be placed on the eye after anaesthetic eye drops are instilled in your eyes. The procedure is not painful however some patients may feel a mild, sharp sensation during the laser treatment. Pressures in the eyes will be checked after the procedure and eye drops will be prescribed to reduce inflammation in the eye. Occasionally, more than one treatment per eye is required.