Laser Treatment

laser-treatment

Laser treatment plays an increasingly important role in the management of glaucoma. Selective laser trabeculoplasty is a relatively new development, which is used to treat open-angle glaucoma; it is referred to below and in more detail in a different section.

Other types of laser, including YAG laser iridotomy, argon laser iridoplasty and cyclodiode laser are also used depending upon the type of glaucoma and its severity.

Lasers produce a focused beam of light, which is targeted on a particular part of the eye either to increase drainage of fluid or to decrease production of fluid in order to reduce intraocular pressure.

All laser treatments take approximately 15 minutes, and all but cyclodiode laser are performed as out-patient procedures in the clinic sitting in front of a slit-lamp; an anaesthetic eye drop is given prior to the application of a contact lens to the eye, through which the laser beam is focused.

 

 

  • This is indicated in patients with the ‘angle-closure’ type of glaucoma. The laser beam is focused on the iris. A few applications of the laser beam are required to make a small hole in the iris, with the intention of making the drainage angle wider and reducing the eye pressure or preventing a significant future rise. It is mildly uncomfortable.
  • This is sometimes performed on patients with the ’angle closure’ type of glaucoma, if a laser iridotomy is not possible or has not been successful. The laser beam is focused on the iris in such a way as to lead it to shrink slightly in several tiny areas, allowing the drainage angle to open wider. It is mildly uncomfortable.
  • This is a recently developed technology, sometimes recommended for patients with the ‘open-angle’ type of glaucoma, for whom drops are not tolerated or have not been effective enough and for whom surgery is not appropriate. The laser beam is focused on the trabecular meshwork. It is painless.
  • This is performed in the operating theatre under local anaesthetic (an injection behind the eye). The laser beam is focused on the ciliary body, which produces fluid within the eye. It is a very effective means of reducing pressure, but tends to be reserved for a relatively small number of patients in whom eye drops, other forms of laser or surgery are not indicated.

About Mr. Karl Whittaker

I graduated from Birmingham University in 1992, and have been an Eye Specialist for almost 20 years.

Following my Ophthalmology Specialist Training, I completed two Fellowships (advanced training) in glaucoma, working with the world-renowned Professor Anthony Molteno in New Zealand and Professor Peter Shah in Birmingham. Thereafter, I undertook a Fellowship in oculoplastic/lacrimal surgery, again in Birmingham. As a result, I am dual-qualified, which allows me to perform a wide range of ophthalmic procedures.

I have been a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at the North Devon Healthcare NHS Trust since 2003. In this role, I perform high volume cataract surgery and am the Clinical Lead for the Glaucoma and Oculoplastic/Lacrimal Surgery services.

Practice Location

  • Ophthalmology Department
  • Level 1
  • North Devon District Hospital
  • Barnstaple
  • EX31 4JB

Tel: 07503751349 | 01271 349128
Email: karlwhittaker@devoneyesurgeon.co.uk

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