Laser for eye pressure treatment?

Posted by cadunkin @cadunkin, Mar 14, 2023

My ophthalmologist found a slight increase in pressure in one eye during test for glaucoma. It’s 20 & he said below 22 is what is optimal. This is the first time any increase was seen during yearly exam. He recommended a laser treatment to help increase drainage. I would feel more comfortable with a couple of follow up appointments to recheck the pressure first, or maybe get a second opinion. I’m a 71 year old female. Thank you for any suggestions.

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John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Mar 14, 2023

Hello @cadunkin, Getting a second opinion may be helpful if for nothing else than to give you a chance to discuss the procedure, risks and recovery questions. I've had a YAG Laser Capsulotomy following my cataract surgery and it was a quick and easy procedure for my experience. Here are a couple of articles that may help answer questions you might have:

--- Mayo Clinic Q and A: Glaucoma — the ‘silent thief of sight’:
https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/1-2-mayo-clinic-q-and-a-glaucoma/.

"The report, which appears in “The Lancet,” says the laser treatment selective laser trabeculoplasty, or SLT, should be offered as first-line treatment for glaucoma, replacing the prescribing of pressure-lowering eye drops. The study has revealed that SLT is not only more effective and safer, but can also save money in health care costs."
--- UK Research Study Reports Laser-based Glaucoma Treatment is More Successful and Cost-effective:
https://glaucoma.org/uk-research-study-reports-laser-based-glaucoma-treatment-is-more-successful-and-cost-effective/.

Are you currently taking eye drops to lower the pressure in the eyes?

irinig | @irinig | Mar 15, 2023

I am in your camp…

irinig | @irinig | Mar 15, 2023

Pressure in the eye could be due to many factors…I have FD & sometimes I can literally feel that pressure, other times not yet I know it is there‼️grateful for this space to share…

mosaics | @mosaics | Mar 15, 2023

I had the laser treatment done in both eyes over 20 years ago when I was in my 40’s. My opthamologist saw a problem on a routine visit and wanted to schedule it right away. When I told him I wanted a second opinion, he “fired” me as a patient. I was upset about that, but it worked out well because I found an excellent glaucoma specialist who confirmed the diagnosis of acute angle glaucoma and did the procedure. It was very easy and painless and I’ve never had to have any other follow-up treatments. My optometrist just checks yearly that the holes are still open and draining as intended. And they are. The only side effect that I’ve had is that at night, lights have a halo-like effect. Stars, headlights, street lamps, etc. are not clear points of light. They are “fuzzy”.

cadunkin | @cadunkin | Mar 25, 2023

In reply to @johnbishop "Hello @cadunkin, Getting a second opinion may be helpful if for nothing else than to give..." + (show)

Thank you so much for the information. No drops have been prescribed. This recent appointment with my optometrist is the first time either eye showed any increase in pressure, & it was minimal in one eye. I would feel better if I had either a second opinion or a recheck of the pressure with the same doctor. From what I understand, it can fluctuate from day to day.
This site is so helpful for so many, thanks again!