Laser Eye Treatments

1. Open Angle Glaucoma (Selective LASER Trabeculoplasty – SLT): Open angle glaucoma is a chronic condition characterised by increased intraocular pressure that can lead to optic nerve damage and vision loss if untreated. SLT is a non-invasive LASER procedure that targets the trabecular meshwork, facilitating better drainage of aqueous fluid from the eye. By reducing intraocular pressure, SLT helps to slow the progression of glaucoma and preserve remaining vision. This treatment is often recommended as an initial or adjunctive therapy to traditional glaucoma medications or surgery.
2. Narrow Angle Glaucoma (YAG LASER Iridotomy – YAG PI): Narrow angle glaucoma occurs when the angle between the iris and cornea is smaller than normal, leading to impaired drainage of aqueous fluid and sometimes increased intraocular pressure. YAG PI is a LASER procedure that creates a small hole in the peripheral iris, allowing fluid to flow more freely and reducing the risk of sudden increases in intraocular pressure (acute angle closure crisis). This preventative treatment helps to lower the likelihood of acute glaucoma attacks, thereby preserving vision and preventing potential vision loss.
3. Posterior Capsule Opacification – PCO (YAG LASER Capsulotomy): Following cataract surgery, some patients may experience posterior capsule opacification, where the capsule behind the intraocular lens becomes cloudy, causing blurred vision and glare. YAG LASER capsulotomy is a efficient and painless procedure that involves creating a small opening in the cloudy posterior capsule, restoring clear vision. This outpatient procedure is highly effective and typically results in improvement in visual acuity, allowing patients to resume normal activities shortly after treatment.
4. Retinal LASER (Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy – PDR, Retinal Tear): Retinal LASER treatments are crucial for managing conditions such as proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and retinal tears. PDR is a complication of diabetes mellitus where abnormal blood vessels grow on the retina, potentially causing vision loss and retinal detachment if left untreated. LASER photocoagulation is utilised to reduce the drive to produce abnormal retinal blood vessels, preventing further bleeding and reducing the risk of vision-threatening complications. Additionally, LASER treatment can be employed to create adhesions around retinal tears, preventing progression to retinal detachment and preserving vision.

Ophthalmic LASER eye treatments offer precise and effective solutions for a variety of sight-threatening conditions, ranging from glaucoma management to post-cataract complications and retinal disorders. These procedures are performed with advanced LASER technology under specialised care, aiming to preserve and improve vision while enhancing the overall quality of life for patients with these eye conditions.