Glaucoma surgery is used to lower eye pressure and protect the optic nerve from further damage.

Glaucoma is a progressive disease that can lead to permanent vision loss if not properly managed. Because early glaucoma causes no symptoms, many people do not realize their vision is at risk until permanent damage has already occurred.

Dr. Potapova can perform in-office laser procedures (laser trabeculoplasty and laser iridotomy) and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (typically combined with cataract surgery and done at the surgery center).

Laser Trabeculoplasty

One of the most common first-line procedures for open-angle glaucoma is laser trabeculoplasty. This treatment uses gentle, targeted laser energy to improve fluid drainage through the eye’s natural drainage system, known as the trabecular meshwork. By improving fluid outflow, laser trabeculoplasty helps reduce intraocular pressure.

Benefits of Laser Trabeculoplasty

• Quick in-office procedure
• No incisions required
• Minimal discomfort
• Can reduce or eliminate the need for daily eye drops
• Repeatable if necessary

Laser trabeculoplasty is often recommended early in the treatment process and can be an excellent option for patients who want to reduce their reliance on medications while effectively controlling eye pressure.

Laser Iridotomy

Laser iridotomy is a type of eye surgery used to treat and prevent angle-closure glaucoma.

Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the iris blocks the normal drainage of fluid (aqueous humor) from the front of the eye. As a result, eye pressure rises rapidly and can damage the optic nerve. This is a serious condition that may lead to permanent vision loss or blindness if not treated promptly.

Laser iridotomy creates a tiny opening in the iris, allowing the fluid to flow normally again and reducing pressure inside the eye.

Laser iridotomy is also used to prevent angle-closure glaucoma in people who have a narrow drainage angle, placing them at higher risk of developing the condition.

Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma

If the iris suddenly blocks the drainage angle, it causes an acute angle-closure glaucoma attack, which is a medical emergency.

Symptoms may include:

• Hazy or foggy vision
• Severe eye or brow pain
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Seeing rainbow-colored rings or halos around lights

An acute angle-closure glaucoma attack requires immediate treatment to prevent permanent vision loss. If you experience these symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Chronic Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Some people have chronic angle-closure glaucoma, in which eye pressure slowly damages the optic nerve without causing noticeable symptoms.

This condition often requires laser treatment or surgery. Lowering eye pressure as early as possible helps preserve vision.

How Is Laser Iridotomy Performed?

Laser iridotomy is usually performed in an outpatient surgery center or in your ophthalmologist’s office.

During the procedure, your ophthalmologist uses a laser to create a tiny opening in the iris. This opening allows aqueous humor to flow freely, helping the iris return to its normal position and lowering eye pressure.

The procedure typically takes only a few minutes.

During the procedure:

• Your eye will be numbed with anesthetic eye drops.
• Additional eye drops may be used to make your pupil very small.
• Your ophthalmologist will place a special contact lens on your eye to guide the laser.
• Using the laser, the ophthalmologist will create a tiny opening in your iris.
• You may feel a brief stinging sensation while the laser is being used.
• Your vision may remain blurry for several hours after the procedure, so you should arrange for someone to drive you home.
• Your ophthalmologist may prescribe eye drops or other medication to use for several days following the procedure.

Risks of Laser Iridotomy

Like any surgical procedure, laser iridotomy carries some risks, although complications are uncommon.

Possible risks include:

• Headache or brow pain
• A temporary increase in eye pressure
• Eye redness
• Eye swelling
• Eye pain
• Bleeding inside the eye
• Blurred vision
• Seeing streaks of light
• Cataract (clouding of the eye’s natural lens)
• The need for a repeat laser iridotomy or additional surgery

Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)

For patients who need more pressure reduction than laser therapy can provide — but want to avoid traditional, more invasive surgery — minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) offers an effective alternative.

MIGS procedures are designed to:

• Lower intraocular pressure
• Reduce dependence on glaucoma medications
• Provide faster recovery times
• Minimize surgical risks compared to traditional glaucoma surgery

MIGS is typically combined with cataract surgery and performed at the surgery center.

To discuss glaucoma treatment or schedule an evaluation, call Eye Care on 5th at (917) 639-3459.