Laser Treatment

Glaucoma

There are a number of different laser treatments applicable to glaucoma, which can be a major source of confusion to patients. Angle-closure glaucoma is an anatomic disease. The drain of the eye (the trabecular meshwork) is usually normal, but the iris is forced against it, usually by fluid pressure behind the iris, similar to putting a stopper over the drain of a sink. Laser iridotomy is the definitive treatment for angle-closure glaucoma. Medications should be used only, as a temporary measure or if the IOP is still elevated after laser iridotomy has been performed. A second laser procedure, peripheral iridoplasty, is indicated in a small percentage of patients who have a more complicated for of angle-closure glaucoma known as plateau iris, when laser iridotomy is insufficient to eliminate the blockage of the trabecular meshwork by the iris.

In open-angle glaucoma, the trabecular meshwork is functionally impaired. Argon laser trabeculoplasty is the treatment applicable to the various diseases, which fall under the category of open-angle glaucoma. The most common of these are chronic (primary) open-angle glaucoma, exfoliation syndrome, and pigmentary glaucoma.

Diabetes

At present, laser treatment is the only proven treatment for diabetic retinopathy. The benefits of laser treatment greatly outweigh the risks. The aim of laser treatment is to stabilize the changes caused in your eyes by your diabetes. The treatment does not generally improve your sight, although in some cases it might. It is likely that without this treatment you will lose some or all of your sight.

The laser treatment involves focusing an intense beam of light onto your retina in small spots. The number of spots will vary according to the type of diabetic change you have and how severe the changes are.

Lasers for Retinal Problems

Panretinal Photocoagulation (PRP) delivers laser energy to diseased parts of the retina.  It is used in diabetic retinopathy wherein the growth of abnormal blood vessels which are harmful to the eye is controlled by treating a large area of damaged retina.  



Focal or Indirect Laser Therapy delivers laser energy to cause scar formation.  It is used in cases of retinal holes or lattice wherein the weak part of the retina is “welded” and strengthened by surrounding the area with scar tissue.  This prevents retinal detachment.  



Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) delivers laser energy to the central part of the retina called the macula. PDT treats macular degeneration by using a laser to activate a special dye that lessens swelling and leakage of fluid in the macular area.  



Transpupillary Thermotherapy (TTT) delivers a low amount of laser energy to the macula.  This low energy is believed to lessen swelling and leakage of fluid and treat macular degeneration.