What is Laser Iridotomy?

Laser iridotomy is a treatment for narrow-angle glaucoma. An iridotomy involves making puncture-like openings through the iris without the removal of iris tissue. It is typically used to decrease intraocular pressure in patients with angle-closure glaucoma.

Glaucoma is a condition which causes damage to the optic nerve and generally gets worse over time. Narrow-angle glaucoma, otherwise known as acute or chronic-angle glaucoma, is a type of glaucoma which is typically treated with laser iridotomy. The more serious of the forms of glaucoma, this type of glaucoma can occur quite suddenly and cause large amounts of pressure in your eye, which if not reduced, can permanently damage your eye.

Laser iridotomy, a treatment offered by the doctors of Alpine Eye Care, can reduce this pressure and protect your vision. An iridotomy is a laser which is used to create a hole in the iris to help increase and improve the drainage in that portion of the iris. As the best time to slow or prevent damage to the eye from this type of glaucoma is right away, it is important that you talk to your eye doctor quickly.

While laser iridotomy is not right for everyone, it may be right for you. Discussing your vision and any treatments you may need or want is the first step to ensuring that your eyes are protected. As with all treatments, there are risks and issues which you should consider with your doctor before your procedure.

To find out more about laser iridotomy and if it is right for you, we invite you to contact us today for more information.