laser iris treatment for glaucoma

[tincress]

has anyone else had this?

[Crafted]

Hi yes if you are referring to irridotomy. Laser treatment to allow drainage. Had this over 20 years ago so has potential to be long lasting and from memory wasn't painful, more uncomfortable and eyes were a bit sensitive for a while afterwards.All the best for a successful treatment

[tincress in reply to Crafted]

Thank you that is very reassuring!

[Ritualhazard]

Hi. I had iridotomy in both eyes following angle closure last year where my pressure went up to above 70. It didn’t hurt, bit weird and uncomfortable. The worst thing was the drops they put in beforehand to widen your pupils. They gave me a severe headache (one possible side effect of that drug apparently). Take some decent painkillers with you in case you get it. The procedure was successful and my angles are now wide open. I did however, have a massive spike in pressure three days afterwards. Theory is it was the steroid eye drops they gave me (predforte) to keep the inflammation down. It’s a known risk with steroids although rare, so just be aware. You’ll be fine. It only takes a few minutes

[tincress in reply to Ritualhazard]

Thank you that is very useful advice! I am hoping it’s going to be done within 6 weeks.

[frankthebank in reply to Ritualhazard]

Hi, above 70! Did that pressure do any visual damage? I'm also now wondering why Ive never been offered this when I had a spout of 40 - 50 pressure. Is this different to SLT. Thanks, David.

[Ritualhazard in reply to frankthebank]

Hi. Iridotomy is essentially making a hole in your iris to allow the pressure to equalise between the back and front of the eye. It’s used if you have narrow angles (drainage channels) and/or have suffered angle closure which is what I had. It may be that your angles are wide so therefore angle closure is not a risk factor for you, which means they wouldn’t offer it. I’m guessing you have open angle glaucoma, which is what I now have with regular spikes up to and over 40. SLT works in your drainage mesh, they run a lower powered laser over it and for some reason that increases the drainage. I had that three weeks ago to see if it will work but early indications are that it hasn’t. Some damage to left eye but I’m only a year into this so still need to wait.