The Power of Precision Lasers
For decades, the standard treatment for glaucoma involved a lifetime of expensive daily eye drops, followed by invasive filtration surgery if those drops failed. Today, Laser Therapy bridges this gap. Lasers provide a highly effective, minimally invasive way to control intraocular pressure (IOP) directly in our outpatient clinic, taking only a few minutes to perform.
At Prasan Nethralaya, we primarily deploy two distinct types of laser treatments, each specifically engineered for a different anatomical form of glaucoma: SLT for Open-Angle Glaucoma and LPI for Angle-Closure Glaucoma.
Benefits of Laser Intervention
- • Drop Independence: Can often replace or reduce the need for daily medicated eye drops.
- • Painless Outpatient: Performed quickly in-clinic using only numbing eye drops.
- • High Safety Profile: Avoids the risks associated with traditional incisional surgery.
- • Repeatable (SLT): Can safely be performed again if the effect wears off years later.
SLT (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty)
Used For: Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG) & Normal-Tension Glaucoma
SLT is a breakthrough in glaucoma management. In Open-Angle Glaucoma, the eye's microscopic drainage system (the trabecular meshwork) becomes sluggish and clogged. SLT uses short pulses of low-energy light to target the melanin (pigment) cells within this meshwork.
The term "Selective" means the laser only affects these specific pigmented cells, leaving surrounding tissue completely unharmed. The laser energy stimulates a biological, natural healing response. The body's own immune system rushes to the site, clearing away the "clogged" cells and rebuilding a more porous, efficient drainage system. Because SLT causes absolutely no thermal burning or scarring, it can be safely repeated in the future.
LPI (Laser Peripheral Iridotomy)
Used For: Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma & Narrow Angles
While SLT helps fluid drain out of the eye, LPI is used when fluid is physically trapped *inside* the eye behind the iris. This occurs in patients with narrow angles, leading to a sudden, painful, and blinding pressure spike.
During an LPI, Dr. Jaideep uses a focused YAG laser to create a microscopic, invisible hole in the extreme outer edge of the iris (the colored part of the eye). This tiny hole acts as an anatomical bypass valve. It allows the trapped fluid to flow freely from behind the iris to the front of the eye, causing the iris to fall backward and permanently unblocking the main drainage angle.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Both SLT and LPI are performed in our specialized laser suite. You will be seated comfortably at a machine similar to the slit-lamp microscope used during your routine eye exams.
First, we apply powerful topical anesthetic drops so you feel no pain. A special contact lens is gently placed on your eye to prevent blinking and precisely focus the laser beam. The procedure takes only 5 to 10 minutes. You will see bright flashes of light (green for SLT, white for YAG/LPI) and may feel a mild tapping or pressure sensation.
Afterward, your vision may be slightly blurred for a few hours due to the bright lights and the protective gel used on the lens. You can return home immediately and resume normal activities the very next day. We will prescribe mild anti-inflammatory eye drops to use for a few days to ensure optimal healing.
