two eyes or one?

[Bonniebear21]

I’ve noticed that most content online regarding laser iridotomy is via America. It seems there they like to only do one eye at a time, where as I’ve been told they will do both on the same appointment? Is that just because it’s the nhs and in America they would get paid more for more ‘appointments’

[KieranGlaucomaUK Administrator]

Hi. They will do one eye after the other but it's perfectly safe to do this. I can't speak for America, but not everyone needs both eyes done.

[Bonniebear21 in reply to KieranGlaucomaUK]

I know, but in America they seem to do one eye only, let the patient go home recover then do the other eye at a later date. Just wondered why it was different here in the uk with nhs where they do both eyes, one after the other in the same appointment x

[KieranGlaucomaUK Administrator in reply to Bonniebear21]

They don't always do this. Some people will have one eye done at a time, and have two separate appointments. It would have been your consultant's decision to have both eyes done at the same appointment. You could call the eye secretary to ask why they have booked in for both eyes at the same time. I'd personally rather this as it saves you going to the hospital twice and it's more convenient. I'm afraid we wouldn't know why America does it this way and if they always do both eyes over two appointments or not.

[Carnationmac]

Morning, I’ve had both eyes done at the same time and it didn’t cause me any problems. Remember to take sunglasses with you just in case it’s a sunny day. The only thing was remembering the eye drops so I set up alarms as reminders. I’m in the UK. Hope this helps 😎

[Lovemy2woofs]

I had both eyes done at the same time , it is much preferable imo to get them done at same time as it’s all over and done with in one sitting , plus you have to go back for follow up . Would rather have two appointments than four.

It is a simple routine procedure that they carry out regularly, the person who did mine said it’s no worse than going to dentist.

Try not to worry , it will be over and done with relatively quickly

[USME]

I believe and would hope the decision to do one or both at the same time depends on the severity of the disease and other underlying factors in each eye. They can have significant risks and co-occurring conditions present in one eye and not the other affecting outcomes.

[Mwomwo]

Never do procedures on both eyes on the same day!!! I had an incorrect SLT and it destroyed my iris. One eye is messed up by the ophtalmologist himself. I ended up at university hospital in emergency. I am lucky he didnt both. (Belgium)

[Bonniebear21 in reply to Mwomwo]

Well that’s made me very anxious! Thanks for your honesty