Can Eye Laser Surgery Cause Glaucoma?

Laser surgeries have highlighted in the therapeutic arsenal for various eye disorders. The type of laser surgery depends on the type of glaucoma and its severity. The lasers generate a beam of focused light which causes a burn or very small opening in the tissue of the eye, according to the intensity of the beam of light.

This type of surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, it does not require hospitalization. During this procedure, the eye is anesthetized so that the pain is minimal or even null.

Laser Peripheral Iridotomy and Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty have been associated with a slight stinging sensation. But for example in the surgery of laser cyclophotocoagulation, a local anesthesia is used for the eye so that once this is under the effects of the medication the pain is minimal or non-existent.

In general, patients can return to their daily activities the day after the procedure. It is possible that the eye presents a small irritation and that the sight is slightly blurred after the surgery, for this reason the transfer to your home should be well coordinated after the procedure.

Glaucoma laser surgery helps to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP). The amount of time during which the IOP will remain low depends on factors such as type of laser surgery, type of glaucoma, age, race, among others.

Some patients require repeated surgery to better control IOP.

In most cases, the use of medications to control and maintain IOP is still necessary. It is worth mentioning that a smaller amount of medication may be necessary after laser surgery.

There are several types to treat glaucoma. They are mentioned below:

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty

This is particularly useful for treating primary open angle glaucoma. It uses a laser beam that requires very little energy. This procedure treats selects and treats specific cells and does not affect any part of the trabecular network that does not require any treatment. This is why the procedure it is feasible to repeat this procedure without causing consequences. It can be a good alternative for people who have not received satisfactory treatment with Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty or drops that allow decreasing the intraocular pressure.

Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty

This is beneficial for treatment of primary open angle glaucoma. In this procedure, the laser beam opens the liquid channels of eye for effective draining of liquid.

In many cases, medication is still necessary in patients who undergo this procedure. Usually half of the liquid channels are treated first. If necessary, it is possible to treat the other liquid channels in a separate session, in another occasion.

This method avoids excessive correction and decreases the risk of increased pressure after surgery.

Argon laser trabeculoplasty has successfully decreased intraocular pressure in up to 75% of treated patients.

Laser Peripheral Iridotomy

This procedure is ideal for cases of narrow-angle glaucoma. This condition arises when the angle between iris and cornea is abnormally small causing blockage of fluid by iris thereby increasing intraocular pressure.

The laser peripheral iridotomy makes a minute hole in the iris to allow it to back out of the liquid channel which in turn helps to drain liquid properly.

Laser Cyclophotocoagulation

It is a good substitute for filtering microsurgery. It is possible to use a large number of different lasers to inhibit the ciliary body’s ability to produce liquid thereby reducing intraocular pressure. It is possible to repeat the procedure to effectively control glaucoma.

There is a small risk of developing cataracts after some types of laser surgery for glaucoma.

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Can Eye Laser Surgery Cause Glaucoma?