Laser Surgery for Glaucoma

Marin opthalmic Surgery Center has 3 different types of laser for glaucoma: SLT or "cold" laser, ALT solid state laser, and a YAG laser.

Eye drops are administered prior to your laser treatment. The laser treatment is performed in the laser room at Marin Ophthalmic Surgery Center.

From the patient's perspective, the treatments are really simple. You sit in front of a microscope like the ones we use in the clinic for examination except that the laser is connected to the microscope. We use the Lumenis Selecta Laser for our glaucoma treatments. For narrow angle glaucoma, we use the laser's "YAG" mode. The glaucoma procedures take 5 to 15 minutes. YAG Laser Iridotomy is a Medicare-covered procedure, proven effective for treatment of narrow angle glaucoma.

Narrow Angle Glaucoma

Narrow angle glaucoma is typically treated with laser rather than medication or incisional surgery. The Lumenis laser in YAG mode is our preferred treatment. The laser makes a minute hole in the iris, releasing the fluid buildup behind and deepening the narrow angle. Regurrences of narrow angle are quite infrequent after this treatment. High pressure or other reactions are very infrequent. This contrasts with the gravity of either an attack of narrow angle glaucoma, or the insidious progression of chronic angle glaucoma in untreated eyes.

Laser for Narrow Angle Glaucoma

After Laser treatment

Minimal Postoperative Care:

You will be given post-laser eye drop instructions and a follow-up pressure test is scheduled for 2 hours after, then another appointment for 1-4 weeks later. You will likely continue any pre-operative medication and may be given additional drops to use temporarily. There is no limitation on your activity. Occasionally there is a high pressure detected at the 2 hour visit that needs additional medical treatment. Little if any discomfort is expected. Minor ache responds well to Tylenol.

IF THE EYE HURTS, call the office (415) 454 - 5565

Effectiveness of Glaucoma Laser Surgery

Laser Iridotomy for Angle Closure Glaucoma cures or prevents Angle Closure Glaucoma in 95% of patients. Further treatment depends on whether permanent closure has already developed, and upon the possible co-existence of a component of "open angle" glaucoma that will need to be treated with eye drops. Rarely the laser iridotomy may need to be repeated.

Risks and Possible Side Effects of Glaucoma Laser Surgery

As with all types of surgery, complications are possible. Every effort is made to minimize risk, but serious or long-term complications including failure to achieve results, inflammation continued need for medication, permanent loss of vision and need for further surgery can occur. Discuss this with your surgeon before consenting to surgery. The alternatives to laser treatment for glaucoma are medication, incisional surgery or hopeful observation.