Glaucoma laser surgery is a treatment that helps lower high pressure inside the eye. It is done when medicines like eye drops do not work well or cause problems. High pressure in the eye can slowly damage the optic nerve. If this is not treated on time it can lead to vision loss or even blindness.
In this surgery a doctor uses a laser light. This laser is very safe and soft. It helps the eye drain fluid better. This brings down the pressure. The surgery is done in a clinic. It does not take long. You do not need to stay in the hospital. Most people are awake during the treatment. There is no need for a cut or stitches.
There are different types of glaucoma laser surgery. The most common ones are Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) and Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI). Your doctor will choose the best one based on the kind of glaucoma you have.
Glaucoma Laser Surgery: Risk, Benefits and Success Rates
Why do people go for this surgery?
Many people choose glaucoma laser surgery when other treatments stop working. Some find it hard to use eye drops every day. Others feel side effects like burning or redness in their eyes. For some the pressure stays high even after using drops for a long time.
This surgery is also a good choice for people who want fewer medicines in their routine. In many cases it is used before trying other big surgeries. It gives a quick and safe way to control the problem.
According to a study in the American Journal of Ophthalmology about 70 percent of patients who have glaucoma move to laser treatment when drops are not enough.
Is glaucoma laser surgery safe?
Yes this surgery is safe for most people. It has been used for many years. It is done by trained doctors who have a lot of experience. The process is done in a clean and safe place using advanced tools. Most people can go back home the same day.
While it is safe there are small risks like with any medical procedure. The good news is that these problems do not happen often. In fact more than 90 percent of people do not face any major side effects.
Doctors also give you eye drops after the surgery to protect the eye from swelling or infection. This makes the healing smooth and fast.
What are the risks?
After glaucoma laser surgery some people may feel mild pain in the eye. The eye may look red or feel itchy. Blurred vision can happen for a few hours. Some people may get a headache or feel pressure for a short time.
These side effects are not serious and go away in a day or two. But in very rare cases the pressure may rise too much. That is why doctors ask you to come for a follow-up check.
Research shows that only 1 to 2 percent of people face long-term problems after the procedure. This makes it one of the safest treatments for glaucoma.
What are the benefits?
There are many good reasons to choose glaucoma laser surgery. The biggest one is that it brings down eye pressure without the need for daily drops. This makes life easier for people who struggle to remember their medicines.
The surgery works well for different types of glaucoma. It also helps stop the disease from getting worse. People can get back to work or normal life very quickly after the surgery.
Another big benefit is that the surgery is not scary. There is no blade or cut. You do not feel pain. The recovery is fast and simple.
Studies show that about 75 to 85 percent of people see a good drop in eye pressure in the first month after treatment.
How successful is this surgery?
Glaucoma laser surgery has shown good results for many patients. It does not cure glaucoma but it does slow down the damage. This gives people more years of good vision and less stress.
The success depends on how early the treatment is done. People who get treated early see better results. Some people may still need drops but in smaller amounts. Others may not need any more medicines for months or even years.
Research says that over 80 percent of patients who have Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) get proper pressure control for one to two years after the first session. For some the results last even longer.
What happens after surgery?
After the surgery you may feel a little discomfort. Your doctor may ask you to rest for the day. You will get eye drops to help with healing. These drops also stop infection or swelling.
Most people start feeling better within 24 hours. It is important not to rub your eyes. You should follow all instructions given by your doctor.
You will have to visit the clinic again for a checkup. This helps the doctor see if the pressure is under control. You might need more laser sessions in the future. But the good thing is that the surgery can be repeated safely.
Who should think about it?
People who have high eye pressure and cannot control it with drops should think about glaucoma laser surgery. It is also good for those who forget to use their medicines or face side effects.
People who have other health issues or cannot afford long-term medicine use also benefit from this treatment. The doctor will first do a full eye check. They will see if you are the right fit for the surgery.
Things like your age eye shape pressure levels and type of glaucoma matter a lot. That is why expert advice is very important.
Final thoughts
Glaucoma laser surgery is safe simple and helpful for many people. It can bring down eye pressure fast. It also makes life easier by reducing the need for daily eye drops. The risks are low and most side effects go away quickly.
It is not a permanent cure but it does slow down the problem. If done on time it helps protect your vision for many years. The key is not to wait too long. Regular checkups and early action make a big difference.
As Dr. Neeraj Sanduja the best glaucoma specialist in Gurgaon says, “Glaucoma laser surgery gives us a powerful way to treat glaucoma early. With the right timing and care we can save vision and improve quality of life.”
If you are thinking about laser treatment for glaucoma make sure you choose an expert clinic. Many people in Gurgaon trust Viaan Eye and Retina Centre for safe and advanced glaucoma care.