Glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss in India, but there are treatments available to help manage it. One such treatment is laser iridotomy, a procedure that may be recommended for certain types of glaucoma.
If you’ve been diagnosed with glaucoma or are at risk, you might have questions about the laser iridotomy procedure, its aftercare, and what to expect. In this blog, we’ll answer some of the most commonly asked questions to help you better understand this treatment option.
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What is Laser Iridotomy?
Laser iridotomy is a procedure used to treat or prevent glaucoma, especially for those with narrow-angle glaucoma or those at risk of angle-closure glaucoma. In glaucoma, the fluid inside the eye struggles to drain properly, which can increase pressure and affect the optic nerve and eventually cause vision loss.
Here’s how it works:
- Procedure: During the procedure, a laser creates a small opening in the iris. This new opening allows fluid to drain more effectively from the eye, reducing internal pressure.
- Purpose: The main goal is to reduce intraocular pressure and prevent or manage glaucoma.
- Type of Glaucoma Treated: Iridotomy is often used for treating narrow-angle glaucoma or angle-closure glaucoma, where the space between the iris and cornea is too narrow, causing fluid buildup.
In India, iridotomy is a quick outpatient procedure that usually takes only a few minutes to complete. It is often recommended as part of a glaucoma treatment plan to help control eye pressure and treat glaucoma.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Iridotomy
We’re answering all your questions, from how the procedure is done to its recovery and side effects, so you know what you’re signing up for.
How is Laser Iridotomy Performed?
It is a quick and generally straightforward procedure performed by an eye specialist. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how it works:
- Preparation: The doctor will apply anaesthetic eye drops to numb the eye before the procedure begins. Medications are also given to help reduce the size of the pupil.
- Positioning: The patient sits at a slit-lamp machine (a special microscope with a light). A contact lens may be placed on the eye to help focus the laser.
- Laser Application: Using a highly focused laser, the doctor makes a small opening in the iris, the coloured part of the eye. This new hole allows fluid to flow freely within the eye, helping to reduce internal pressure.
- During the Procedure: The procedure itself only takes a few minutes. The patient might feel a brief sensation of discomfort or see flashes of light, but due to the anaesthetic, it is generally painless.
- Post-Procedure: The doctor will check the eye pressure to ensure the procedure is successful. Anti-inflammatory eye drops might be prescribed to help with healing.
- Recovery: It’s normal to experience mild discomfort or blurred vision for a few hours. However, most patients can go home the same day.
Who is a Candidate for Laser Iridotomy?
The procedure is designed to lower eye pressure and prevent further damage to the optic nerve in cases of advanced glaucoma. People who may benefit from this treatment include:
- Individuals diagnosed with narrow-angle glaucoma or at risk of angle closure
- Patients with elevated intraocular pressure that could lead to optic nerve damage
- Those with a family history of glaucoma or other risk factors
- Generally healthy adults, as certain health conditions may render a person unsuitable for glaucoma surgery
- Patients seeking an effective preventive measure against glaucoma progression
However, always consult an eye specialist to determine if laser peripheral iridotomy is the right option for your eye health.
What are the Benefits of Laser Iridotomy?
Minimally invasive: The procedure is non-invasive, without surgical cuts.
Prevents optic nerve damage: The procedure lowers eye pressure, helping to protect the optic nerve from damage.
Quick recovery: Laser peripheral iridotomy is a quick procedure, often done in just minutes, and you can go home the same day.
What are the Risks and Side Effects of Laser Iridotomy?
Like any medical procedure, there are some risks and potential laser iridotomy side effects. These include:
- Mild discomfort: Some patients feel slight discomfort or eye pain after the procedure.
- Blurred vision: Temporary blurred vision is common but usually clears within a few hours.
- Light sensitivity: Some may experience sensitivity to light for a short time.
- Inflammation: Mild redness or inflammation may occur, but eye drops can help.
- Increased eye pressure: A temporary rise in eye pressure is rare but possible.
These issues are usually managed with medications and proper aftercare.
How is the Recovery and Aftercare for Laser Iridotomy?
After the laser iridotomy procedure, proper care is essential:
- Use prescribed eye drops to decrease inflammation and prevent infections.
- Attend follow-up appointments to monitor eye pressure and healing.
- Avoid strenuous activity for a few days to prevent complications.
- Vision may be slightly blurred initially but should improve quickly.
- Resume normal activities in a day or two after the procedure.
Now you know how laser iridotomy helps protect your vision from glaucoma. This quick and simple procedure can prevent serious eye problems in the future. If your doctor has recommended this procedure, taking action sooner rather than later is key. You can visit Centre for Sight for expert care and information on laser iridotomy costs. Early treatment can make all the difference in keeping your vision healthy and preserving your eyesight for the years to come.
