Narrow angles/iridotomy

[oceanlover2345]

I found out in January that I have narrow angles at my routine optometrist appointment. She referred me to the specialist who I saw in May and she confirmed that I do have narrow angles. Everything else was fine, no pressure issues, no nerve damage etc. We went ahead and did the iridotomies a couple of weeks later. My right eye bled a little bit and she said it might need a touch up when I come back. I went back a couple of weeks ago and both holes had started to already close up so she repeated the iridotomy to make the holes larger. She didn't seem concerned and said since I'm younger (40) my eyes might try to heal faster. Just wondering if anyone else had to have more than one laser procedure before the hole was completely open? I'm worried when I go back next week that I will need to have it done again. Thank you

[Martyn321]

Hi, I’m on a similar path, I’m 45 and my Glaucoma was picked up by an optician appointment and had laser iridotomy. I found the laser treatment quite uncomfortable despite being reassured that I shouldn’t!

Unfortunately shortly afterwards I had a spike in pressure and have now had lens replacement which I wanted to try and avoid. I’ve had my left one done and waiting for the right one.

Hopefully the second round of laser treatment works for you, this was my original plan so let me know how you get on.

Take care

Martyn

[oceanlover2345 in reply to Martyn321]

Thanks for the reply!! I haven’t had any issues with pressures yet, she wanted to do the laser as a preventative treatment. I hope your next surgery goes well.

[Sorshup]

It appears that you have not been diagnosed with glaucoma, only at risk. The iridotomies are prophylactic. It may not matter if they close up. You may never develop any form of glaucoma. You and your optometrist just ned to maintain watchfulness (especially yourself regarding the symptoms of an acute attack). Have a nice day.

[oceanlover2345 in reply to Sorshup]

Thank you! You are right, just a preventative treatment.

[Monopost]

Hi, I was also diagnosed with narrow angles and high pressure but no glaucoma or damage and referred through Optician. I had iridotomies in both eyes but pressure was even higher at my follow up so although my iridotomies remain open I am on eye drops and 6 monthly monitoring.

Good luck

[oceanlover2345 in reply to Monopost]

Hope your pressures come down. I haven’t had any issues with pressure yet. Just hoping this round of laser did the trick.

[Martyn321 in reply to oceanlover2345]

Fingers crossed for you. I too had this done for preventative reasons but I was showing some signs of previous events looking back on things.

[AlfredV]

I've had iridotomies in both eyes, and in both cases had to have the procedure repeated to ensure the holes were large enough.

Each procedure involved approximately 30 shots from the laser. My consultant said that due to me having very dark irises, the laser is less effective hence requiring more shots. He said the procedure is quicker with blue eyes.

Another downside with dark irises is that the nerves are less visible meaning the occasional shot did hit a nerve and was a little painful. With lighter irises the nerves are easier to avoid.