Laser iridotomy to reduce eye pressure

Laser iridotomy to reduce eye pressure

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carboy2017

Original Poster:

707 posts

85 months

Wednesday 2nd November 2022
quotequote all

I was told i have high eye pressure during a routine test at Boots and sent to the A&E who confirmed it and gave me eye drops to be used twice a day (brinzolomide)

I went to see an consultant at Laser vision and this is what they said below in their letter

Diagnosis:

Narrow angles
Raised pressure improved on drops Macula disturbance left eye, presumed CSR - (Central Serous Retinopathy)
Visual Acuity: 6/6 in each eye

Treatment: Laser iridotomy to reduce pressure

anyone ever did this and if so how was the experience

I also like to know if there are any risks with this procedure


Matt Harper

6,771 posts

208 months

Wednesday 2nd November 2022
quotequote all
I had this procedure done about 5 years ago, for the same reason - narrow angle glaucoma risk.
My ocular pressures were and are normal 21/21, but my risk of sudden onset glaucoma is elevated, as is yours.
Sudden onset can be very damaging to your optic nerves, so treatment is advisable. I was diagnosed during a routine eye exam.

A laser iridotomy is basically creating a small hole in the iris, using a focused laser, which creates a means by which fluid from the front part of the eye can interact with the aqueous humor in the orb of the eye. This is intended to 'help' that same transfer that occurs at the edges of the iris, compromised by your (and mine) narrow angle of the connecting structures.

The procedure itself is quick, simple and only marginally uncomfortable. Mine took less than 10 minutes and left me with a very slight discomfort for a few minutes. Don't worry, it is not scary at all.

My pressures are normal - I administer eye-drops (one in each eye, daily) of Timalol, which is a mild beta-blocker and so far, I have had no issues whatsoever. I have 6 monthly check-ups, to make sure my pressures are good and to make sure the iridotomies are still patent. In rare cases, the body tries to 'heal' the artificial apertures and they need to be re-opened.

The apertures themselves are tiny and not visible, unless you really know what to look for.

Don't hesitate - get it done. Best wishes.

carboy2017

Original Poster:

707 posts

85 months

Thursday 3rd November 2022
quotequote all
Thank you very much for the comprehensive reply, I'm now in the process of booking in my appt for this


Matt Harper said:
I had this procedure done about 5 years ago, for the same reason - narrow angle glaucoma risk.
My ocular pressures were and are normal 21/21, but my risk of sudden onset glaucoma is elevated, as is yours.
Sudden onset can be very damaging to your optic nerves, so treatment is advisable. I was diagnosed during a routine eye exam.

A laser iridotomy is basically creating a small hole in the iris, using a focused laser, which creates a means by which fluid from the front part of the eye can interact with the aqueous humor in the orb of the eye. This is intended to 'help' that same transfer that occurs at the edges of the iris, compromised by your (and mine) narrow angle of the connecting structures.

The procedure itself is quick, simple and only marginally uncomfortable. Mine took less than 10 minutes and left me with a very slight discomfort for a few minutes. Don't worry, it is not scary at all.

My pressures are normal - I administer eye-drops (one in each eye, daily) of Timalol, which is a mild beta-blocker and so far, I have had no issues whatsoever. I have 6 monthly check-ups, to make sure my pressures are good and to make sure the iridotomies are still patent. In rare cases, the body tries to 'heal' the artificial apertures and they need to be re-opened.

The apertures themselves are tiny and not visible, unless you really know what to look for.

Don't hesitate - get it done. Best wishes.

Matt Harper

6,771 posts

208 months

Friday 4th November 2022
quotequote all
You're very welcome.