Laser therapy is used to treat open-angle and angle-closure glaucoma. On an outpatient basis, without incisions, using various lasers, ophthalmologists perform several procedures:
trabeculoplasty is the formation of additional holes in the trabecular network for the outflow of fluid in open-angle glaucoma;
iridotomy is the formation of a hole in the iris to drain fluid in angle-closure glaucoma;
cyclophotocoagulation is a laser treatment of the ciliary processes of the structures of the eye that secrete fluid to reduce its production.
In Turkish clinics, an innovative gentle laser procedure, selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), is available. The surgeon uses a microscope to selectively remove certain cells of the trabecular meshwork. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and takes about 15 minutes.