Glaucoma laser therapy

In glaucoma, there is increased resistance in the microscopic channels that drain fluid from the eye, resulting in an increased pressure inside the eye.  This abnormal pressure damages the nerve fibres that carry visual information from the retina to the brain via the optic nerve. If the pressure remains high, it can lead to gradual blindness. Certain types of glaucoma are treated by a procedure known as Laser Trabeculoplasty (LTP).

Who can have LTP, and how successful is it?

Laser treatment is suitable, when indicated, in the majority of patients with typical open-angle glaucoma. In some cases it is possible to stop using eye drops, however, most will need to continue with drops. In these cases the laser is used to reduce the eye pressure when drops alone are insufficient.

The laser delivers a precise burst of light energy to the drainage channels inside the eye. Each burst of laser energy unblocks the tiny holes in the meshwork. Subsequent contraction around the burns further 'pulls' or 'stretches' the microscopic channels, increasing the drainage of fluid and decreasing the pressure.

How is LTP done?

The laser treatment is performed in the consulting rooms at Vision Eye Institute. Admission to the Day Surgery Unit is not required. On arrival you will have drops instilled into your eye to constrict the pupil and reduce the pressure. These take 15 minutes to work, and can produce a mild ache around the eye. This usually settles after 30 minutes. The actual laser procedure takes only 5 minutes. Your eye pressure will be taken after 2 hours to ensure there is no elevation which may require more drops or tablets.

The treatment is performed on a laser microscope similar to the slit lamp used for your general examination. Local anaesthetic drops are used, and a laser lens is placed on your eye to allow for microscopic focusing of the laser beam. Approximately 30-50 bursts of laser are used; these are painless, or feel like a 'pin-prick'. Your vision may be blurred for a short time.

After treatment

To reduce any inflammation, anti-inflammatory drops are used 4 times a day for one week in the treated eye. Keep the bottle as it can be used after subsequent treatments. Only one third to one half of the drainage angle is lasered at one session to prevent a pressure spike, so there are usually 2 to 3 sessions per eye. Continue using all your regular glaucoma drops to both eyes, unless instructed to cease them.