Treatment

YAG Laser Peripheral Iridotomy

Overview

YAG Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) is a simple and safe outpatient laser procedure used in ophthalmology to treat or prevent a serious eye condition called angle-closure glaucoma. It works by creating a small opening in the peripheral part of the iris (the colored part of your eye) using a focused laser beam. This tiny hole helps fluid flow more freely inside the eye, reducing intraocular pressure and preventing damage to the optic nerve.

It’s often done when the angle between the iris and the cornea is too narrow, blocking fluid drainage and increasing the risk of glaucoma. The procedure is quick, virtually painless, and does not require stitches or cuts.

Why YAG Laser Peripheral Iridotomy Treatment is Required?

• Helps prevent or treat angle-closure glaucoma, a serious eye disease that can cause sudden vision loss.
• Required when the fluid drainage angle in the eye becomes narrow or closed.
• Suggested when a person has narrow angles on eye exam, even before symptoms appear.
• Recommended for those with a family history of angle-closure glaucoma.
• Needed when there’s eye pain, blurry vision, or halos around lights—warning signs of angle closure.
• Acts as a preventive measure in the fellow eye if one eye already has angle-closure.
• Used when medications alone cannot control the pressure in the eye.
• Offers a non-surgical alternative to iridectomy.
• Ideal for patients not fit for invasive surgery or at early stages of glaucoma.

Key Advantages of YAG Laser Peripheral Iridotomy Treatment

• Minimally invasive with no incision or stitches.
• Quick outpatient procedure—takes only a few minutes.
• Painless and does not require general anesthesia.
• Effective in reducing intraocular pressure.
• Helps preserve vision and prevent optic nerve damage.
• Avoids the need for more complex glaucoma surgery.
• Recovery is fast, usually within a day.
• Helps in equalizing pressure between the front and back of the iris.
• Reduces the risk of sudden angle-closure attacks.

How Should You Prepare Yourself Before YAG Laser Peripheral Iridotomy Treatment

• Your doctor may prescribe eye drops (like pilocarpine) before the procedure to shrink the pupil.
• Avoid wearing contact lenses on the day of the procedure.
• Bring someone along as vision may be blurry temporarily after the treatment.
• Eat and drink normally unless advised otherwise.
• Inform your doctor if you are on blood thinners or have any allergies.
• Clear any doubts with your ophthalmologist about the procedure beforehand.

How YAG Laser Peripheral Iridotomy Treatment is Performed?

• The patient sits at a slit-lamp laser machine (similar to a standard eye exam).
• A special lens is placed on the eye after applying numbing drops.
• The YAG laser is then focused on a selected part of the iris.
• A small hole is created in the peripheral iris using laser pulses.
• The procedure takes about 5–10 minutes per eye.
• After the procedure, pressure-lowering drops may be applied.

What You Can Expect Before, During and After Procedure?

• Before the Procedure:
• Eye pressure is checked.
• Eye drops are given to prepare the iris.
• Doctor explains the LPI laser procedure.
• During the Procedure:
• Minimal discomfort, mostly bright lights and clicking sounds.
• You remain seated; the eye is stabilized with a contact lens.
• It is over in a few minutes.
• After the Procedure:
• Mild eye irritation or blurriness for a few hours.
• Eye pressure is measured again after the procedure.
• You may be prescribed anti-inflammatory drops for a few days.
• Most patients return to normal activities by next day.

Risk and Potential Complications

• Temporary blurry vision or glare.
• Mild eye inflammation or discomfort.
• Slight risk of increased eye pressure immediately after.
• Rarely, bleeding or iris damage at laser site.
• Rare complications like corneal burns or double vision.
• Risk of laser hole closure, which may require repeat procedure.
• May not be effective if angle is already completely closed.
• Slight risk of increased light sensitivity.

Results/Outcomes

• Highly successful in preventing angle-closure glaucoma.
• Most patients maintain stable eye pressure after treatment.
• May eliminate or reduce need for glaucoma medications.
• Helps preserve vision in high-risk patients.
• In some cases, additional LPI laser treatment or medications may still be needed.
• Regular follow-ups are necessary to monitor eye pressure and optic nerve health.