Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that can cause vision loss without warning. It affects millions of people worldwide, and it is caused by increased pressure in the eye. If left untreated, it can lead to irreversible damage to the optic nerve and permanent vision loss. Laser therapy is a highly effective treatment option for glaucoma. It is considered one of the best ways to manage this condition. This blog tells you why laser treatment effectively treats this sight-threatening disease.

Let’s discuss why laser eye treatment for glaucoma is the best choice.

• Laser Hits the Right Spot : Laser therapy is like using a tiny, super-precise flashlight to fix the problem areas in your eyes. Doctors can aim the laser exactly where needed to lower the pressure inside your eye without hurting anything else. This means less chance of problems and better results.
• Not Too Much Complex : Some treatments for glaucoma involve big surgeries, but not laser therapy. It’s much simpler and easier. You don’t need to stay in the hospital and can get it done quickly at your eye doctor’s office. Plus, recovery is faster, and there’s less chance of things going wrong afterward.
• Laser Works for Different Types of Glaucoma : There are different kinds of glaucoma, but laser therapy can help with all of them. It’s like a superhero that can fight many different villains! Whether your glaucoma is just starting or has been around for a while, laser treatment can help.
• No Need for Lots of Medicine : Many people with glaucoma have to use eye drops or take pills every day to keep their eyes healthy. But with laser therapy, you might not need as much medicine.
• Easy Outpatient Visit : Getting laser treatment for glaucoma is as easy as going to the dentist. You don’t need to stay overnight in the hospital. Just visit your eye doctor, get the treatment, and go home the same day. It’s convenient and saves you from spending too much time and money on hospital visits.
• Keeps Your Vision Safe for a Long Time : Laser therapy is not a quick fix, it’s like planting a strong tree that grows and stays healthy over time. Studies show that laser treatment can keep your eyes in good shape for a long time, so you don’t have to worry too much about your vision worsening.

Laser treatments for Glaucoma

There are several types of laser procedures used in the management of glaucoma that depend on the severity and type of glaucoma:

• Laser Trabeculoplasty – This procedure treats open-angle glaucoma, in which a laser is applied to the trabecular meshwork, the drainage system within the eye, to improve the outflow of aqueous humor (fluid inside the eye).
• Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty – The latest type of laser trabeculoplasty, targets specific cells in the trabecular meshwork while sparing surrounding tissue. This selective approach reduces the risk of damage to the trabecular meshwork and lowers the likelihood of adverse effects such as scarring.
• Laser Peripheral Iridotomy – LPI is commonly used to treat narrow-angle or angle-closure glaucoma. In this procedure, a small hole is created in the iris using a laser. This hole facilitates fluid drainage from the eye’s posterior chamber to the anterior chamber, relieving pressure and preventing sudden increases in IOP.
• Cyclophotocoagulation – This laser procedure targets the ciliary body, which produces aqueous humor. By reducing the production of aqueous humor, cyclophotocoagulation can lower IOP. It is typically reserved for cases of advanced or refractory glaucoma when other treatments have been ineffective.
• Laser Iridoplasty – This procedure involves using a laser to reshape the iris, particularly in plateau iris syndrome or angle-closure glaucoma where the iris is abnormally positioned and obstructs the drainage angle.

Is laser treatment safe for glaucoma?

Yes, laser treatment for glaucoma, including procedures like trabeculoplasty and iridotomy, is generally safe and effective in reducing intraocular pressure. Risks are minimal, and complications, if any, are typically manageable.

Side Effects of Laser Eye Treatment for Glaucoma

Some possible side effects associated with laser treatment for glaucoma:

Temporary increase in intraocular pressure (IOP): Some patients may experience a temporary increase in intraocular pressure, after laser treatment.

• Inflammation: Laser treatment can sometimes cause inflammation in the eye, leading to symptoms such as redness, discomfort, and sensitivity to light.
• Transient vision changes: Some patients may experience temporary changes in vision after laser treatment, such as blurriness or fluctuations in visual acuity.
• Peripheral vision loss: In rare cases, laser treatment for glaucoma may cause peripheral vision loss, particularly with certain types of laser procedures.
• Corneal damage: Laser treatment near the cornea can cause damage to the corneal tissue, leading to issues such as corneal scarring or irregularities.
• Rebound elevation of IOP: In some cases, the intraocular pressure may initially decrease after laser treatment but rebound to higher levels over time.
• Recurrence of Glaucoma: laser treatment can effectively lower intraocular pressure and manage glaucoma, but it may not always provide long-term control. In some cases, glaucoma may progress or recur despite laser treatment, requiring additional interventions

Conclusion

So, if you or someone you know has glaucoma, remember that laser therapy is like a superhero for your eyes. It’s precise, simple, and can work wonders for different types of glaucoma. Best of all, it keeps your vision safe and sound for the long haul. Talk to your eye doctor about whether laser treatment might be the right choice for you.

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Written and Verified by:

DR. ARUN SINGHVI

MBBS, MD (AIIMS, NEW DELHI) & FRCS (A)

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