Alternative to argon laser peripheral iridoplasty?

[lotsofdrops]

I was diagnosed with ocular hypertension, prescribed Monopost. Had LASER Iridotomy which was followed by an acute angle glaucoma attack 16/03, fortunately not resulting in any perceivable damage as I had gone to the hospital due to misty vision and halos. They managed to get the pressures under control with all of the drops and diuretics.

Now using Monopost, Betaxolol, Dorzolamide. Referred by my consultant to another specialist to confirm the mechanics of the blockage which he believes is plateau iris syndrome.

My consultant is hesitant of argon laser peripheral iridoplasty due to my eyes being very dark brown which will require more laser energy and cause more trauma.

They did speak of doing emergency lens removal surgery when I had the glaucoma attack, maybe this is the alternative?

Thank you.

[AlfredV]

I've been in your position. Halo vision followed by misty vision is frightening. I have very dark irises, almost black to the casual observer. I've had iridoplasty carried out on both eyes. The first time it was very painful and I had to keep asking the person to stop so I could calm down. The second time someone else did it and I experienced no pain at all. She also said it should not be a painful experience. Unfortunately these procedures didn't have the desired effect for me and I went from acute angle glaucoma to open angle glaucoma. However, I do believe they are successful in many situations and if you have good vision, I'd consider that before lens extraction.

I had a similar issue with iridotomies. Maybe 30 blasts needed to create a hole, and maybe one in three hit a nerve, which certainly caused a flinch!

[lotsofdrops in reply to AlfredV]

Thank you AlfredV.

My vision is currently good, no need for glasses, so I would prefer not to have the lens extraction. Though if it is typically more sucessful with less complications overall I think that is what I would prefer. Hopefully I will see the other specialist soon and have some more information then.

Yes when I had the iridotomies it certainly hurt every few blasts, I think my language let the doctor know that.

[KBIOW]

Hello,

I am in a similar situation, I didn’t have high pressure well 18 in each eye. But due to Narrow Angles they recommended the laser iridotomy, not painful at all. The first one though partially sealed and since the second one which was an enlargement I have now suffered with high eye pressure for which I am taking numerous eye drops and tablets. I am now due to see another consultant next week for a plan of action , they have mentioned an alternative laser, and also plateau iris….

So we will see what happens next.

If you don’t mind me asking where are you at now with your treatment?

Many thanks