Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty

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.