Laser Iridotomy Laser iridotomy is a non-invasive surgical therapy used to prevent or treat narrow angle glaucoma. In patients with narrow angles or narrow angle glaucoma, the space between the iris and the cornea is not as wide and open as it should be. When the angle is narrow, the iris “bunches up” over the drainage canals and blocks the outflow of fluid inside of the eye, causing a glaucoma attack. Glaucoma attacks are painful and can cause permanent loss of vision. The laser is a tiny but powerful beam of light that can make a small burn or opening in tissue. The laser is used to remove a small portion of the bunched up iris which immediately unblocks part of the drainage canals and allows fluid to drain into the drainage system. On the day of the laser therapy, you will receive eye drops to make the pupil smaller, and to control inflammation in the eye scheduled to have the laser. These eye drops sometimes cause a temporary brow ache or headache. During laser surgery, you will see a bright light, like a camera flash, and you will feel a pinch or tingling sensation. Afterwards, the eye may be slightly irritated, and you are advised to avoid strenuous activity for a few days. With laser iridotomy, the more common risks include: Transient increase in eye pressure that is usually responsive to medicated eye drops. Inflammation or iritis that is usually responsive to anti-inflammatory eye drops. Blurred vision lasting several hours. Bleeding at the site of laser impact that is usually treated with slight pressure to the eye. Corneal burns that are usually painless and usually resolve without sequelae. Scarring and closure of the iridotomy that may necessitate a repeat laser treatment. Opacity in the lens. This is usually insignificant. Possible long-term elevation of intraocular pressure (very rare). Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty or SLT is a non-invasive surgical therapy for glaucoma that is proven to be effective and is approved by the FDA. It is safe and long term studies, greater than 10 years, show that patients who had SLT showed no negative impact. The laser is a tiny, low-energy beam of light that passes harmlessly through the outer covering of the eye and targets the pigment cells of drainage system of the eye. The body’s natural healing system responds to the light energy by healing the drainage cells, restoring its natural pressure relieving functions. SLT lowers eye pressure. SLT is safe as a primary, adjunctive, or repeat therapy to reduce intraocular pressure.