Narrow-angle glaucoma is a specific form of glaucoma that can lead to sudden and severe vision loss if not detected and treated early. Unlike other types of glaucoma that progress gradually, narrow-angle glaucoma can worsen quickly due to a rapid increase in intraocular pressure (IOP). Laser iridotomy is an effective procedure that can help protect against permanent vision damage. Learn more about laser iridotomy for narrow-angle glaucoma, and what to expect during and after this treatment.*

Narrow-Angle Glaucoma: A Hidden Threat

Narrow-angle glaucoma occurs when the drainage angle in the eye, which controls fluid outflow, becomes too narrow, causing fluid to build up and increasing eye pressure. This narrowing can cause the iris to shift forward, further blocking the fluid’s exit route and resulting in dangerous pressure spikes. 

Unlike other forms of glaucoma that can develop gradually, narrow-angle glaucoma often progresses quickly and may lead to an acute angle-closure attack, which is a medical emergency and can cause rapid vision loss if not treated immediately.

• Farsighted people are at higher risk for narrow-angle glaucoma because their smaller anterior chambers make them more prone to this condition.
• Comprehensive eye exams are essential for detecting narrow-angle glaucoma, as the condition may not present noticeable symptoms until it has progressed significantly.

If left untreated, narrow-angle glaucoma can lead to permanent optic nerve damage and vision loss. 

What to Expect During Laser Iridotomy

Laser iridotomy is a common procedure for treating or preventing narrow-angle glaucoma by easing the pressure caused by fluid buildup from a blocked drainage angle. 

• Laser iridotomy is performed under local anesthesia using eye drops to numb the eye surface.
• Using a precisely focused laser beam, doctors create a tiny hole in the iris.
• The procedure usually lasts from five to 10 minutes.

Your doctor will likely check your eye pressure soon after the procedure to make sure it’s within a safe range, and may prescribe medicated eye drops to reduce inflammation.

Laser iridotomy is designed to prevent glaucoma progression, not to improve existing vision.The procedure helps manage intraocular pressure and preserve long-term eye health by preventing sudden pressure spikes.

What to Expect After Laser Iridotomy

It’s common to experience side effects within the first few hours following laser iridotomy treatment, and they can include:

• Glare
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Halos around lights
• Redness or discomfort in the treated eye
• Mild headaches from the pre-procedure drops

These effects typically subside within a few days. 

While rare, more serious side effects may occur, such as:

• Increased eye pressure, 
• Minor bleeding at the laser site, or 
• Visual distortions. 

These complications are typically temporary and manageable. In some cases, the hole created during the iridotomy may close over time, requiring a follow-up treatment. According to The Glaucoma Foundation, despite these risks, laser iridotomy remains a highly effective and low-risk procedure for preventing angle-closure glaucoma and protecting against vision loss.

*Glaucoma Research Foundation. (n.d.) Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI). Retrieved from https://glaucoma.org/treatment/laser/lpi 

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