If your doctor has recommended a laser iridotomy, read on to know what to expect at the visit.

1. What is a peripheral laser iridotomy?

• A quick laser procedure that takes approximately 1-2 minutes for most patients.
• Performed to make a small opening in the iris (see diagram below) to decrease the risk of a sudden pressure spike due to angle closure.

2. Why do I need it?

• Your eye constantly produces a fluid called aqueous humor, which usually leaves the eye through a gutter-like drain in the drainage angle.
• If your drainage angle is narrow, you may be at risk of angle closure, which may result in high eye pressures.
• Your doctor may recommend a laser iridotomy to help open the drainage angle or to decrease the risk of high eye pressure in case the drainage angle closes (angle closure glaucoma).

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-glaucoma#treatment

3. What will happen at a peripheral laser iridotomy visit?

• You will receive numbing eye drops, and then an eye drop to make the pupil smaller in the eye(s) receiving the treatment.
• You will wait a few minutes while your pupil(s) get smaller.
• Your doctor will bring you back to the laser room.
• Your doctor may use a small lens to focus a small laser on the iris and make a small opening. You will hear little beeping sounds, and may feel a pressure or a stinging sensation.

4. What to expect after the laser iridotomy?

• Your vision will be dark for a few minutes immediately after the laser from the bright lights. This usually clears up within a few hours.
• If your doctor prescribes you any eye drops to use after the laser, use them as instructed.
• You will receive instructions to make a follow-up appointment to make sure you have healed as expected.

5. What are the risks of a posterior capsulotomy?

• As with any eye procedures, there are small risks associated with a laser iridotomy, such as the following:

1. 1. You may have a small bleed from the iris. If you do, you may have blurry vision for a few hours until your body reabsorbs the blood. Your doctor may advise you to follow the activity restrictions below:
      1. Keep your head above your heart until you see your doctor again – you can look down, but not bend over.
      2. Sleep with an extra pillow to keep your head slightly elevated.
      3. Sleep with a cover over the eye to avoid accidentally applying pressure to the eye.
      4. Avoid strenuous activities.
   2. You may need a repeat laser iridotomy, or additional glaucoma surgery.
   3. You may have a retinal tear or detachment. If you notice a lot of new floaters, flashes of light or blurry vision like a curtain moving across your field of vision, call our office immediately for a dilated eye exam.
   4. Your eye pressure may increase. You should not have eye pain, eye redness or headaches after the procedure. If you do, call our office the same day.
   5. You may have swelling in your retina, which would not hurt, but may distort your vision, and you may need medical treatment.
   6. You may have a cataract in the area of the laser treatment. The laser treatment is usually performed peripherally, so your vision should not be affected, but let your doctor know if you notice a change in your vision.

REMEMBER:
If you have a question or a concern about your vision or your eyes, call us at 520-327-3487.