A common laser treatment for open angle glaucoma is called Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT). SLT is a widely accepted and effective treatment option to lower intraocular pressure by opening up the drain of the eye (trabecular meshwork). SLT is an in office procedure, only takes a few minutes and is generally painless. The laser treatment can reduce the dependence on glaucoma drops for patients thus potentially decreasing unwanted side effect from these medications. In more advanced cases SLT can potentially delay or avoid more invasive surgery down the line.

In angle closure or narrow angle glaucoma, the iris physically obstructs the internal drain of the eye. This causes fluid build-up and a rise in intraocular pressure.

When a patient has narrow angles, fluid cannot move through the pupil normally, due to excessive contact between the iris and lens. Fluid builds up behind the iris, pushing it forward, further narrowing the angle and leading to excessively high intraocular pressures in predisposed individuals. LPI is a procedure that can be used to treat narrow angles.

Laser peripheral iridotomy is generally recommended for patients with narrow angles, narrow angle glaucoma, or acute angle closure glaucoma. LPI can be used to lower the intraocular pressure as well as prevent another attack of angle closure glaucoma. If your physician determines that your angles are significantly narrow, putting you at risk for acute angle closure, laser peripheral iridotomy may be recommended.

Argon laser iridoplasty is a laser technique designed to treat any residual angle narrowing when LPI fails to open a closed angle or when LPI is not possible.