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Glaucoma laser (SLT / iridotomy)
Category: Eye Procedures & Tests · All eye procedures & tests
What it is
Two common glaucoma lasers: selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) applies gentle laser pulses to the eye's drainage tissue to improve fluid outflow and lower pressure in open-angle glaucoma. Laser peripheral iridotomy makes a tiny hole in the iris to prevent or treat angle-closure glaucoma.
Why it is done
SLT is used as a first treatment for open-angle glaucoma or to reduce dependence on drops. Iridotomy is used when the drainage angle is narrow and at risk of sudden blockage — a painful emergency that can damage sight quickly.
How to prepare
No fasting is needed. You will have pressure checks and drops before and after. Dilation or constriction drops blur vision for a few hours, so arrange transport. Tell the team about eye inflammation and allergies.
What happens during the procedure
You sit at the laser at a slit-lamp microscope with a special contact lens on the numbed eye. SLT takes a few minutes with rapid flashes around the drainage ring. Iridotomy takes a few minutes per eye with a series of pulses to create the opening. Neither is usually painful beyond brief stinging or an ache.
Afterwards — recovery & results
You may have drops for a few days and a pressure check after treatment. Vision can be blurry or light-sensitive for a day. Pressure-lowering benefit from SLT builds over a few weeks and can wear off over years, when it can sometimes be repeated.
Risks & considerations
Risks include temporary pressure spikes (guarded against with drops and checks), inflammation, glare or light sensitivity after iridotomy, and rarely bleeding or failure of the iridotomy to stay open. Your specialist will explain which procedure and why.
Watch: Glaucoma laser (SLT / iridotomy) videos
Real procedure videos from the MedicalVideos.com library. Some clinical footage is graphic — that is the nature of a medical video library.
Related guides on MedicalVideos.com
Frequently asked questions
Can laser replace my glaucoma drops?
Sometimes — SLT lowers pressure by an amount comparable to a drop for many people and can reduce or delay drop use. You will still need lifelong monitoring, because glaucoma can progress silently.
Why treat an eye that feels fine (iridotomy)?
A narrow angle can block suddenly with a painful, sight-threatening attack. The tiny preventive hole gives fluid an alternative route and greatly reduces that risk.
Related procedures — Eye Procedures & Tests
Browse the G section of the A–Z list or return to the Procedures & Tests hub.