Glaucoma Surgery

Glaucoma Laser Procedures

Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT)
This office-based procedure was first used in the late 1970's and has been used as a very common treatment for glaucoma.

The ALT procedure is performed in the office. The patient is seated at the laser and anesthetic eye drops are instilled. Next a lens is applied to the surface of the eye. The surgeon then directs the laser beam onto the trabecular meshwork, which is the primary drainage area of the eye. This procedure is typically painless or produces minimal discomfort. Your eye pressure will be monitored for 1-3 hours prior to leaving the office. Eye drops are used for approximately 1 week after the procedure. Follow-up visits are often done 1 day, 1 week and 1 month after this procedure. There are no physical limitations after an ALT.

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty is essentially the same procedure as the ALT described above. A newer type of laser is used for this procedure; it is felt to be safer for patients requiring repeated treatments on the same eye. Your doctor will decide which laser is best for you. The actual procedure and follow-up routine is similar to the ALT.

Laser Peripheral Iridetomy (LPI)
A laser iridectomy is indicated for patients with narrow angles, narrow angle glaucoma, or acute angle closure glaucoma. In these situations, crowding of the structures in the front of the eye cases or increases the risk for the development of certain glaucoma's. The LPI procedure creates a tiny opening in the periphery of the iris.

This procedure is performed in the office. Eye drops are instilled to constrict the pupil. The patient is seated at the laser and anesthetic eye drops are instilled. Next a lens is applied to the surface of the eye. The entire procedure usually takes just a few minutes. This procedure may produce some discomfort during the brief treatment period. Your eye pressure will be checked several times prior to leaving the office. Eye drops are used for approximately 1 week after the procedure. Follow-up visits are often done 1 day, 1 week and 1 month after this procedure. There are no physical limitations after an LPI.