Argon laser iridoplasty is a surgical procedure that uses a laser to treat certain types of glaucoma and other eye conditions affecting the iridocorneal angle. This angle is the space between the iris and the cornea where intraocular fluid flows out of the eye. When the angle is obstructed, it can increase intraocular pressure and damage the optic nerve, which carries visual information to the brain.
To perform the treatment, a special laser is used to burn small areas of the iris tissue at the periphery. This causes the tissue to contract and move toward the wall of the eye, opening the iridocorneal angle and allowing intraocular fluid to flow more easily through the eye’s drainage system. By reducing intraocular pressure, argon laser iridoplasty can help prevent optic nerve damage and preserve vision.
What are the benefits of Argon Laser Iridoplasty?
This treatment has several benefits, including:
- Effectiveness: It is an effective treatment for reducing intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma and other eye conditions affecting the iridocorneal angle.
- Quick and painless procedure: The procedure is performed in the office and takes only a few minutes. Topical anesthesia (anesthetic drops) is used to numb the eye, so no pain is felt.
- Safety: Argon laser iridoplasty is a safe procedure with a low risk of complications.
- Outpatient: Hospital admission is not required. The patient can return home immediately after the procedure.
- Vision preservation: By reducing intraocular pressure, argon laser iridoplasty can help prevent optic nerve damage and preserve vision.
Therefore, argon laser iridoplasty may be a good option for patients with:
- Angle-closure glaucoma: A type of glaucoma in which the iridocorneal angle is obstructed, preventing proper flow of intraocular fluid.
- Other eye conditions affecting the iridocorneal angle: Such as ocular trauma or iris inflammation.
