Glaucoma laser surgery

What it is

Laser surgery for glaucoma aims to lower eye pressure to protect the optic nerve. Unlike incisional glaucoma surgery, it uses a laser applied to the eye's drainage system or, in angle-closure glaucoma, to the iris. It is often used when eye drops are not controlling pressure well enough, cause side effects, or are difficult to use.

Common types

The type of laser depends on your kind of glaucoma.

• SLT (selective laser trabeculoplasty) for open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension
• Laser peripheral iridotomy to create a small hole in the iris in angle-closure glaucoma
• Laser cyclophotocoagulation for advanced glaucoma when other treatments have not worked

What happens on the day

The procedure is usually done in an outpatient clinic with numbing drops.

• Drops to numb the eye and sometimes to prevent pressure spikes
• A contact lens placed gently on the eye to focus the laser
• A few minutes of laser treatment, which may feel like brief flashes or mild discomfort
• Anti-inflammatory drops afterwards and a check of eye pressure

What to expect

Eye pressure often falls over days to weeks, though drops may still be needed. SLT can be repeated if the effect wears off. Serious complications are uncommon, but you may have temporary blurring, light sensitivity, or inflammation, which your clinician will monitor.