Procedure Type
LaserProcedure Duration
15 min - 30 minHospital Stay (Days)
No need to stayLaser iridotomy is a minimally invasive eye procedure used to treat or prevent angle-closure glaucoma, a condition where the drainage angle of the eye becomes blocked, causing a sudden and dangerous rise in intraocular pressure. The procedure involves using a highly focused laser to create a small opening in the iris (the colored part of the eye). This new channel helps fluid (aqueous humor) flow more freely within the eye, thereby relieving pressure and preventing damage to the optic nerve.
You may need laser iridotomy if you are at risk for or already experiencing angle-closure glaucoma. In this condition, the natural flow of fluid inside your eye becomes obstructed, often because the iris is positioned too close to the drainage channels. This can happen suddenly (acute angle-closure) or gradually (chronic angle-closure). The procedure is most commonly recommended when your eye anatomy puts you at risk of an attack or if you show signs of narrow angles on examination, even without symptoms.
Laser iridotomy is typically performed in an ophthalmologist’s office or outpatient clinic. Before the procedure, numbing eye drops are applied, and a special contact lens is placed on your eye to help focus the laser. The doctor then uses a laser to create a tiny hole in the outer edge of the iris. This allows the aqueous fluid to bypass the pupil and flow directly through the new opening, reducing pressure buildup. The procedure usually takes only a few minutes and is relatively painless, although you may feel a slight pinch or brief sensation of heat.
After the laser iridotomy, your eye pressure will be monitored for a short time to ensure it remains stable. You may be prescribed anti-inflammatory or pressure-lowering eye drops to use for a few days. Most people resume normal activities the same or next day, although you might experience mild discomfort, blurry vision, or light sensitivity for a short period. A follow-up appointment is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of the procedure and ensure your eye pressure remains in a safe range.
Senior Consultant & Assistant Professor MBBS, MD OPHTHALMOLOGY, FRCS
MBBS, MD - Ophthalmology Ophthalmologist/ Eye Surgeon
In most cases, laser iridotomy provides a long-term solution for reducing the risk of angle-closure glaucoma. However, the procedure does not cure glaucoma or restore vision already lost due to high eye pressure. Instead, it is a preventive measure that reduces the likelihood of future episodes. Occasionally, the opening made in the iris can become partially closed or less effective, requiring further treatment or reapplication of the laser.
The main benefit of laser iridotomy is that it helps protect your vision by preventing sudden spikes in eye pressure associated with angle-closure glaucoma. By creating an alternate route for fluid drainage, it improves intraocular pressure regulation and reduces the need for more invasive surgery. The procedure is quick, effective, and carries a low risk of complications. For patients at risk, it provides peace of mind and reduces the urgency of emergency glaucoma treatment.
While laser iridotomy is generally safe, it can have side effects. Some patients report blurry vision, eye redness, temporary elevation in eye pressure, mild inflammation, or halos around lights. Rarely, complications such as bleeding in the eye, damage to the cornea, or an increase in intraocular pressure may occur. These issues are typically manageable with medication or additional treatment. Your doctor will discuss the risks specific to your condition during the consultation.
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