Laser Peripheral Iridotomy P.I's

Angle Closure Glaucoma

What is Angle Closure Glaucoma (ACG)? Angle-closure glaucoma (also called closed-angle glaucoma or narrow-angle glaucoma) is a type of glaucoma that happens when the iris narrows or blocks the drainage angle in their eye. You can think of it like a piece of paper sliding over a sink drain. When the drainage angle gets completely blocked, eye pressure begins to rise. If this happens suddenly, it is called an acute attack.
Chronic angle-closure glaucoma usually has no symptoms in its early stages. In fact, half the people with glaucoma do not know they have it!
Angle closure glaucoma is a non-acute condition that usually occurs in both eyes. Angle-closure glaucoma pressure can rise, but not as suddenly as it does with an acute attack. You may have no pain or other symptoms. If the drain is damaged however, the pressure may remain high and require long-term management. .






What can be done to prevent an Angle Closure Glaucoma Attack?

Laser peripheral iridotomy is the standard first-line treatment to treat closed-angle glaucoma. It is an in office procedure that take place to help prevent an angle closure glaucoma attack. The laser creates a hole in the outer edge of the iris, leading to an opening of the angle in the majority of cases. After the angle is widened from the procedure, the trabecular meshwork is exposed and fluid outflow is enhanced.

What You Can Expect During Your Laser Experience

The procedure is done in the office and usually takes less than 10 minutes.
First, anesthetic drops are used to numb the eye. Additional drops are given to control eye pressure. While you are seated at the examining microscope, a lens is placed on the eye being treated. The laser energy is then focused through a lens to treat the drainage channel. You will experience a flash of light with each laser application. There is rarely discomfort but, there may some minor pain with this treatment
After treatment your eye pressure will be monitored. An Anti-inflammatory medication is prescribed for five days after the procedure. You may experience a headache from the drops used to constrict your pupils and your vision will be blurry immediately after the treatment. It should clear within hours after the procedure. Most people can return to their normal activities once your vision is clear.





Post YAG PI



What are the risks of the procedure?

Possible risks include, rise in eye pressure, bleeding at the laser site, and inflammation; these are usually temporary. Closure of the iridotomy may occur, requiring retreatment. Extra visual images including bright lights or flashes, or double vision in the treated eye, may rarely occur.

How long does the procedure last?

Although the angle widens in most cases after laser, normal age-related changes may subsequently alter the angle region. Cataract formation could close the angle again and cataract extraction may be required.