YAG laser iridotomy is a type of laser treatment to make a small hole (opening) in the peripheral iris (coloured part of the eye). This hole is called an “Iridotomy”. The aim of the hole is to assist fluid flow from the front part of the iris to the other side and then out of the eye through drainage channels called the trabecular meshwork.

YAG laser iridotomy is recommended for patients who may have a narrow anterior chamber angle. The narrow angle can get blocked in certain situations, and this may compromise the drainage of the fluid inside the eye. This will lead to a sudden rise in eye pressure, causing a condition called “Acute Glaucoma”. High eye pressure can damage the nerve of the eye and may lead to vision loss.

This laser opening will dramatically decrease this risk as it will allow fluid to flow freely inside the eye.

This is usually picked up on a routine examination by the optician or by an eye specialist. The optician may refer you for an eye specialist’s opinion if he feels the angle of the front part of the eye is narrow or the eye is at risk of angle closure.

You may have no symptoms at all. However, some patients may report occasional headaches or episodes of blurred vision that can occur while watching TV in a dark room, reading, or after emotional stress.

YAG laser iridotomy is performed at the eye outpatient clinic. The doctor will put some drops to make your pupils small. Then you will be taken to the laser room. You will be asked to sit on a machine very similar to the eye examination machine.

The doctor will apply some numbing drops, put a contact lens to stabilise the eye and perform the laser. The treatment takes only a few minutes. During the laser treatment, you may hear some clicking sounds, and you may see some bright lights or flashes. The doctor may use some drops to lower the eye pressure before or after the laser treatment. The treatment is not painful and is effective in most cases.

Following the laser treatment, you will be asked to wait for 30-60 minutes for the doctor to check the eye pressure and confirm the hole made in the iris is large enough. You will be given some anti-inflammatory drops to use at home for 1-2 weeks after the laser procedure.

The doctor will arrange to review you again in 2-4 weeks to check the eye pressure and to make sure the laser hole is working correctly.

The laser treatment is performed to prevent a sudden rise in eye pressure if you are at risk. Without this treatment, you are at risk of developing sudden glaucoma and irreversible loss of vision. It is important to remember that it will not restore any sight, nor will it improve your sight. The laser treatment is to prevent a sudden rise in pressure within your eye.

YAG laser iridotomy is a very safe and effective treatment in most cases. However, like any procedure, there is a small risk of complications, such as: