EYE SPECIALISTS - VISION
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Yag Laser Iridotomy

The fluid that fills the eye is produced behind the iris, it has to pass through the pupil before it can get out through a drainage angle. Sometimes the pupil passageway is blocked and so there is a build up of fluid behind the iris and this closes off the drainage angle so that this can lead to a rise in pressure because production continues but drainage is blocked.

To create a new passageway for flow of aqueous fluid, from behind the iris to the front chamber, laser power causes a tiny pin prick hole in the iris. However, nowadays we can focus the laser light on to the iris to cut this tiny hole (0.2 - 0.4 mm in diameter).

What is Involved?

You will attend as an out-patient

You will have some drops put into your eye and a tablet to prepare your eye

You will then have some anaesthetic drops

Then a contact lens is placed onto the eye and the laser light focused on to the coloured part of your eye.

It takes a few minutes to get a correct focus then the treatment only takes a few seconds. You will probably notice a tingling sensation but not pain.

Sometimes the doctor has to press firmly with the contact lens on the eye if the laser causes a microscopic bleed, to stop it bleeding.

After treatment

Your eye will be washed with salt water drops and then 10 to 15 minutes later when your eye has recovered from the dazzle, your vision will be checked.

You will be seen again in clinic and your eye pressure checked and your treatment adjusted if necessary.

Risks

The most common risk is a tiny bleed inside the eye which is usually easily stopped by pressure on the eye for a few minutes. This can cause transient blurring of vision.

It is rarely associated with anymore serious complication. Less than 1% risk of retinal detachment.

If you notice any sudden shower of new floaters, curtain-like field defect or sudden deterioration of the sharpness of your vision or pain, then we would be pleased to see you back promptly.

Back to Eye Parts

This information site has been provided by varied UK and US eye doctors for patients with eye problems.

Once your eye doctor has made a diagnosis or recommended an investigation or treatment, then you will be able to find further explanation on this site.

It is not a self diagnosis centre. It should not be relied upon without taking professional advice.