Procedures
Glaucoma Consultants provides a comprehensive array of surgeries, treatments and procedures for both glaucoma and cataracts. To find out more details on any of these procedures, click on the links below.

LASER TREATMENTS:
• Laser Iridotomy

Laser Iridotomy is used to treat angle closure glaucoma after the pressure in the affected eye has been reduced with medication or when medications fail. Laser iridotomy uses a very focused beam of light to create a hole on the outer edge, or rim, of the iris, the colored part of the eye. This opening allows fluid (aqueous humor) to flow between the anterior chamber , the front part of the eye, and the area behind the iris, the posterior chamber. This opening may decrease pressure in the eye and usually prevents sudden buildup of pressure within the eye, which occurs during an episode of acute angle closure glaucoma. Some people feel a sensation of heat in the eye during laser procedures. However, there usually is no pain after laser iridotomy.

Risks
Complications of laser treatments may include:
• Brief blurred vision (common)
• Swelling of the clear covering (cornea) of the iris.
• Bleeding
• Increased pressure in the eye.
• Closure of the new opening.
• Burn to the inner lining of the eye (retinal burn). This is a very rare complication.

Later complications that may develop include:
• Worsening of clouding of the lens (cataract) that was present before laser treatment.
• Closure of the opening (5% of cases).
• Recurrent closed-angle glaucoma (5% of cases).
• Development of another type of glaucoma (5% of cases).
• Continuing need for medications (depends on the person's condition before laser treatment).

Angle Closure Glaucoma usually affects both eyes over time. Once sudden (acute) angle closure glaucoma occurs in one eye and laser treatment is done on that eye, laser iridotomy is usually done on the other eye to prevent the condition from developing. Without treatment, there is a 50% chance that angle closure glaucoma will also develop in the unaffected eye.

After laser iridotomy, the new drainage opening can become blocked. If this occurs, a repeat iridotomy may be needed and is often successful.

High pressure in the eyes may continue after laser iridotomy. Patients need to be monitored closely for this even after the procedure. Some people may require additional treatment, such as eyedrops, to lower the eye pressure.

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