What is argon laser trabeculoplasty?
Argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) is a common procedure used to
treat some forms of glaucoma. Glaucoma is an eye disease in which
the optic nerve is damaged, usually by high pressure inside the
eye. Eye pressure can become too high if there is a problem with
the drainage of fluid from your eye. Damage to the optic nerve can
cause a loss of vision.
Your eye healthcare provider may recommend ALT after you have
tried reducing the pressure in your eye with eyedrops or pills.
These medicines may not be lower your eye pressure or they may
cause side effects. ALT is sometimes done instead of surgery for
glaucoma.
What happens during the procedure?
ALT is done by using a laser to treat the drainage pathways (the
trabecular meshwork) in your eye. The procedure can lower the
pressure in your eye and may help prevent more damage to the optic
nerve and further loss of vision.
This procedure is usually done in the provider's office. The
provider uses eyedrops to numb your eye. A special contact lens is
put on your eye to help direct the laser's beam of light at the
trabecular meshwork in your eye. The laser makes 50 to 100 evenly
spaced burns. You may see a few brief flashes of light and feel
little, if any, discomfort.
The procedure usually takes less than 10 minutes. You may be able
to go home soon after it is done.
What happens after the procedure?
Your vision will probably be blurred for the rest of the day, but
then it should clear. You will not need to wear an eye patch. If
the blurriness does not go away within a day or if you feel any
pain or discomfort, call your provider.
Several days or weeks after the procedure, the flow of fluid from
your eye should improve. Improved flow usually reduces the
pressure inside the eye. Your provider will want to check you
regularly to see if the pressure inside your eye is in fact
getting lower. It may take 3 to 6 weeks, and sometimes longer, for
the laser to take full effect.
After the procedure you may no longer need to take medicine for
glaucoma, but many people do still need to take some medicine. Do
not change your medicines unless instructed to do so by your eye
care provider.
The effects of this treatment may not last. After some time you
may need to have the procedure again or you may need a different
treatment.
What are the risks?
Although there are some risks with the laser treatment, there are
fewer risks than with other types of eye surgery. Problems may
occur that could threaten your vision, but they are rare. The most
common problem with ALT is that it does not lower your eye
pressure. If you have any questions about the risks of argon laser
treatment, ask your provider.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information is intended to inform and educate and is not a
replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
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