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Laser Trabeculoplasty (LTP) is an advanced laser
technique used to treat open-angle glaucoma. In glaucoma there is
increased resistance in the microscopic channels draining fluid from the
eye resulting in an increase in pressure in the eye. This abnormal
pressure damages the nerve fibers carrying visual information from the
retina to the brain via the optic nerve. If the pressure remains high,
it can lead to blindness.
Who can have it and how successful is it?
Laser treatment is suitable, when indicated, in the
majority of patients with typical open-angle glaucoma. In some it is
possible to stop eye drops, however most will need to continue with
drops. In these cases the laser is used to reduce the eye pressure when
drops alone are insufficient.
The laser delivers a precise burst of light energy to
the drainage channels inside the eye. Each burst of laser energy
unblocks the tiny holes in the meshwork. Subsequent contraction around
the burns further 'pulls' or 'stretches' the microscopic channels,
increasing drainage of fluid and decreasing pressure.
How is it done?
The laser treatment is performed in the doctors
office. On arrival you will have drops instilled into your eye to
constrict the pupil and reduce the pressure. These take 15 minutes to
work and can produce a mild ache around the eye. This usually settles
after 30 minutes. The actual laser procedure takes only 5 minutes.
Your
eye pressure will be taken after 2 hours to ensure there is no elevation
which may require more drops or tablets.
The treatment is performed on a laser microscope
similar to the slit lamp used for your general examination. Local anesthetic
drops are used and a laser lens is placed on your eye to
allow for microscopic focusing of the laser beam. Approximately 30-50
bursts of laser are used which are painless or feel like a 'pin-prick'.
Your vision may be blurred for a short time.
After treatment
To reduce any inflammation, anti-inflammatory drops
are used 4 times a day for one week in the treated eye. Keep the bottle
as it can be used after subsequent treatments. Only one third to one
half of the drainage angle is lasered at one session to prevent a
pressure spike, so there are usually 2 to 3 sessions per eye. Continue
with all your regular glaucoma drops to both eyes unless instructed to
cease them.
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