Glaucoma is a condition in which eye pressure rises and the normal flow of eye fluid drainage malfunctions. When intraocular eye pressure becomes too high and there is too much fluid in the eye, sight can be compromised. Medications and surgery can treat glaucoma, including laser treatments.
Goals
The goals of laser surgery are to allow fluid to drain from the eye properly and to lower intraocular eye pressure. Laser treatments are less invasive than open surgery, which reduces recovery time.
Types
Different types of laser procedures are used to treat the various forms of glaucoma. Laser peripheral iridotomy treats narrow angle glaucoma, selective and argon laser trabeculoplasty treat open angle glaucoma, YAG laser cyclophotocoagulation is performed on people with too much intraocular fluid.
Procedure
Laser treatment for glaucoma is performed under local anesthetic; the doctor applies a numbing agent to the eye in the form of an eye drop. The laser is directed at the eye through a special lens and will look like a flash from a camera as the beam penetrates the eye.
Recovery
Recovery time for laser surgery to correct glaucoma is short; most people can participate in their everyday routine within a day or two after surgery. Some procedures may cause stinging in the eye. Patients will need to arrange for a driver because of temporary eye irritation that occurs after the treatment.
Risks
The Glaucoma Research Foundation explains that people who have laser surgery may be at a higher risk for developing cataracts. Other risks include a temporary fluctuation of intraocular eye pressure.
