Laser Treatment for Glaucoma

YAG peripheral iridotomy is a procedure to create a small hole at the edge of the iris using a neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser. It is used in patients with narrow angles who are at risk of narrow angle glaucoma, or to break an attack of acute angle closure glaucoma.

After placing your chin on the chinrest of the machine, a laser beam is focussed onto the peripheral iris allowing precise delivery of laser energy which creates a small hole in peripheral iris. Anaesthetic eye drops are instilled before a contact lens is placed on the eye to magnify the view and stabilise the eye. The procedure typically takes just a few minutes and is painless.

Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a laser procedure used to open the clogged pathways within the trabecular meshwork, making it easier for fluid to flow out the eye and thereby lower the intraocular pressure.

SLT is performed in a similar manner to YAG Peripheral Iridotomy. Anaesthetic eye drops are instilled before a contact lens is placed on the eye to magnify the view and stabilise the eye. A laser beam is focussed onto the trabecular meshwork (drainage pores inside the eye) and approximately 40-90 shots are applied over 5-10 minute procedure. It is normal for the eye to be light sensitive and ache for a day after the procedure, however most symptoms settle after over-the-counter pain relief medication such as paracetamol.

The Ellex Tango Reflex laser is a modern laser system using co-axial optics allowing precise laser delivery. It combines YAG and SLT laser and can be used for YAG Capsulotomy, YAG Peripheral Iridotomy and Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT).