Laser treatment for glaucoma

[Bacchanalia]

I am currently taking Trusopt and Monopost drops daily. Recently the doctor recommended laser treatment to clear the drains and reduce the need for eye drops. Has anyone experience of this? Is it effective? Are there any real risks? Is it a one off treatment or doewes it need repeating?

[DavCrisp]

I’ve had that laser drain clearing treatment. No effect on eye pressure at all! Eye drops were changed and I’m eventually on Monopost! They did tell me the laser is not always effective!

[Tigdad]

had Laser both eyes for glaucoma and early cataracts 7/8 years ago. Although regarded as successful I did continue with Ganfort once a day. Recently my consultant recommended a captuloscopy which is a laser procedure to allow more light to the retina which is often necessary after a number of years. Had this done a few weeks ago and took about 10 mins with a nurse practioner. No after effects at all.

GO FOR IT!

[mrswaffle]

I was diagnosed 17 years ago & have been using drops ever since. Two years ago, I saw a consultant privately (it’s a long story!) & he said he would put me on his NHS list for laser, which I had about six weeks later. Before laser, my pressures were 16. Six weeks after the procedure, they were 10 & 12. The last time I had a consultation, in May, my cataracts had become much worse (I’m now on the list to have those done) but my pressures were 10. Apparently, if laser works for you, which it does in about 70% of patients, you can have it repeated after five years. Sounds good to me!

[Pley]

I was diagnosed with closed angle glaucoma over ten years ago. I received laser treatment immediately as my pressures were over 30. The treatment reduced them to below 20. But I have still needed to take eye drops daily to maintain low pressures.

The laser treatment feels uncomfortable, but is not at all painful.

[Extrahelp]

Hi!You've raised a question I was looking for answers/reassurance to too!

On my last NHS Consultant appt last week my pressures were still 14 in left eye and 15 in my already blind eye(lost sight through an op, not glaucoma). 'Slight' progression of loss on VFT.

I was on Brinzolomide x3 times daily & Ganfort each night.

He's ruling out surgery(TRAB) as risky for my 20/20 vision in glaucoma eye and wants to maximuse medical treatments..

I've now had drops changed to Simbrinza x2 daily and to continue with Ganfort. No side effects at the moment.

Laser was mentioned but not discussed in full and my fear(too scared to ask!) is although it will hopefully lower my pressure from 14-which is what is needed, are there any harmful side effects to my one perfect-albeit glaucoma eye?

Will I be able to see immediately after the laser??

If not, how long till I can?

Could I have less clear slight for that recovery time? or none at all?..

Back in 4 weeks time to review effect on pressures of new drops.

Such scary times!!

Thankyou for listening.

[sheelc]

Hi, I have ocular hypertension and was referred with raised pressures of 28/34. Put on Latanoprost and was offered laser (SLT) which I had a few weeks later. Slightly uncomfortable in one eye, fine in the other but pressures reduced enough for them to leave me off drops for now. Still waiting for my 6 month check up-8 months later so not sure how my eyes are now. No real discomfort after just blurry for a while then fine, however, I now need dry eye drops administered 5-6 times a day, although that comes with age anyway.

[SpanishFlea]

I had the laser treatment in January but sadly it made no difference at all to my pressures. But it does seem to work more often than not, isn't painful at all and doesn't last long. Well worth a try, especially if your doctor recommends it.

[Celtic-mad]

Be cautious, I have pigment dispersion glaucoma and was on ganfort prior to cataract surgery on right eye. There is a suspicion that Ganfort may increase risk of laser treatment. Subsequent YAG laser treatment resulted in a pressure spike in my IOP which damaged my optic nerve, I lost 80% vision in right eye.

SLT treatment then temporarily lost the other 20% but it came back after 3 months. As you, I am VERY reluctant to have any procedures in my one good remaining eye