YAG Laser Iridotomy Complications

Hello.
Ihad narrow angle glaucoma. While in the care if a new opthamologist, he performed YAG laser iridotomy on both eyes and I was left with several visual complications.
These began directly after the procedure. Constant glare and prism images as well as floaters.
He is recommending corneal tattooing- out of state - as my only means for improvement. (colored contacts did not work). This would be out of pocket expenses for me. a minimum of 4 trips to NC for the procedure). I was never told of the possibility of this occurring from laser iridotomy. That is the worst part.
The opthamologist I saight out at Mayo clinic said this happens in approximately 3% of patients. I would not have had the procedure. It was a preventative measure and at my age I would not have risked this. I would have continued getting my pressure checked.
Thank you for sharing your experience and situation. I truly appreciate it.

Hello.
Ihad narrow angle glaucoma. While in the care if a new opthamologist, he performed YAG laser iridotomy on both eyes and I was left with several visual complications.
These began directly after the procedure. Constant glare and prism images as well as floaters.
He is recommending corneal tattooing- out of state - as my only means for improvement. (colored contacts did not work). This would be out of pocket expenses for me. a minimum of 4 trips to NC for the procedure). I was never told of the possibility of this occurring from laser iridotomy. That is the worst part.
The opthamologist I saight out at Mayo clinic said this happens in approximately 3% of patients. I would not have had the procedure. It was a preventative measure and at my age I would not have risked this. I would have continued getting my pressure checked.
Thank you for sharing your experience and situation. I truly appreciate it.

Hello, I’m sorry to hear that, but you’re in good company. I had the surgery for preventative closed angle glaucoma four years ago. I, too, am left with severe (to me it’s severe) visual disturbances...glare, prisms. I went for two more opinions and both surgeons said I was high risk, which I do believe. My initial surgeon whom I really Liked, points the laser At the 12 o’clock position. However my research said that pointing the laser at the 3 or 9 o’clock position results in fewer complications. So, I went to a glaucoma surgeon who performed the surgery at the 3 and 9 and I am left with this terrible side affect. Maybe my first doctor was correct. Anyway it’s too late and I’ll never know. The surgeon who performed my laser procedure never told me of the side effect, and he will not listen to me about having this horrific glare since the surgery was done.

@quincy9 I'm sorry to hear about your misfortunes as well.
Rachel

Hello, I’m sorry to hear that, but you’re in good company. I had the surgery for preventative closed angle glaucoma four years ago. I, too, am left with severe (to me it’s severe) visual disturbances...glare, prisms. I went for two more opinions and both surgeons said I was high risk, which I do believe. My initial surgeon whom I really Liked, points the laser At the 12 o’clock position. However my research said that pointing the laser at the 3 or 9 o’clock position results in fewer complications. So, I went to a glaucoma surgeon who performed the surgery at the 3 and 9 and I am left with this terrible side affect. Maybe my first doctor was correct. Anyway it’s too late and I’ll never know. The surgeon who performed my laser procedure never told me of the side effect, and he will not listen to me about having this horrific glare since the surgery was done.

I agree with you! I’m 34 and I’m worried that a laser is going to impact my vision for the rest of my life. I’ve been reading so many forums online (like this one) that say that people are having huge visual issues due to the placement of the hole. Why aren’t more drs looking at this? It’s terrifying.