CONDITION
Glaucoma Laser Treatment
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often due to increased intraocular pressure (IOP). Various laser treatments can help lower eye pressure and manage glaucoma effectively. Laser therapy can be used as an alternative to eye drops, in combination with them, or when medications are not effective enough.
Below, we explore the different types of laser treatments available for glaucoma, including Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT), Micropulse Cyclodiode (MPC), and Transscleral Cyclodiode (TSCPC).
TREATMENT
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
What is SLT?
SLT is a minimally invasive laser procedure used to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma. The laser stimulates the drainage system (trabecular meshwork), improving fluid outflow and lowering pressure.
Who is SLT for?
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Patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).
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Patients who are intolerant to or non-compliant with glaucoma eye drops.
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Those who need additional pressure control despite using eye drops.
Benefits of SLT
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Effective pressure reduction (can lower IOP by 20-30%).
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Non-invasive and performed in an outpatient setting.
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Quick recovery, with minimal downtime.
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Can be repeated if necessary.
Risks of SLT
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Mild inflammation, which usually resolves with eye drops.
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Temporary IOP spike, which is rare but can be managed with medication.
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Variable response – not all patients achieve significant pressure reduction.
TREATMENT
Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI)
Indications:
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Primary angle-closure suspects (PACS)
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Primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG)
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Narrow-angle glaucoma
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Acute angle-closure crisis (emergency treatment)
How It Works:
LPI creates a small hole in the peripheral iris to allow fluid to flow freely, preventing or relieving angle closure and lowering IOP.
Benefits of LPI:
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Prevents acute angle closure
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Reduces the need for emergency surgery
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Quick outpatient procedure (5-10 minutes)
Risks of LPI:
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Temporary blurring and light sensitivity
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Risk of glare or double vision (rare)
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Incomplete angle opening, requiring further treatment
TREATMENT
Micropulse Laser Treatment (MLT)
What is MLT?
Micropulse Laser Treatment (MLT) is a gentler laser therapy that targets the ciliary body (the part of the eye that produces fluid). It reduces fluid production while preserving eye structures.
Who is MLT for?
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Patients with moderate to advanced glaucoma.
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Those who require additional IOP control beyond medications and SLT.
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Patients who are not suitable for incisional surgery.
Benefits of MLT
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Less destructive than traditional cyclodiode laser treatments.
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Lower risk of long-term complications like hypotony (excessively low eye pressure).
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Can be repeated if needed.
Risks of MLT
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Temporary eye redness or discomfort.
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Delayed pressure response – results may take weeks to become apparent.
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Not always effective – some patients may need additional treatments.
TREATMENT
Transscleral Cyclodiode Laser (TSCPC)
What is TSCPC?
Transscleral Cyclodiode Laser (TSCPC) is a more powerful laser treatment that targets the ciliary body to significantly reduce aqueous humor production. It is used for severe cases of glaucoma where other treatments have failed.
Who is TSCPC for?
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Patients with advanced, uncontrolled glaucoma.
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Those who are not candidates for surgery (e.g., trabeculectomy or tube shunts).
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Painful, blind eyes where pressure control is needed for comfort.
Benefits of TSCPC
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Can significantly lower IOP when other treatments have failed.
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Quick procedure performed under local anesthesia.
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Can provide pain relief in eyes with very high pressure.
Risks of TSCPC
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More aggressive than MPC, with a higher risk of complications.
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Risk of hypotony (very low IOP), which may cause visual problems.
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Potential for inflammation or vision loss, especially if repeated.
Choosing the Right Laser Treatment
Your ophthalmologist will determine the most suitable laser treatment based on:
• The type and severity of glaucoma
• Your current eye pressure and response to medications
• The structure of your eye (open vs. narrow angles)
• Your overall eye health and previous treatments
Treatment Type
Best for
Repeatable?
Recovery Time
Risk of Complications
SLT
Open-angle glaucoma
Yes
1 - 2 days
Low
LPI
Angle-Open glaucoma
Yes
1 week
Moderate
MLT
Early to moderate glaucoma
Yes
1 - 2 weeks
Moderate
TSCPC
Severe, uncontrolled glaucoma
Limited
2 - 4 weeks
High
What to Expect After Laser Treatment
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Most laser procedures are quick (typically 5-15 minutes per eye) and performed in an outpatient setting.
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Mild discomfort or inflammation is common but usually resolves within days.
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You may need eye drops for a short period to control inflammation and pressure spikes.
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Follow-up visits are essential to monitor IOP and assess effectiveness.
Why Choose Us
Clinical Excellence
Our expert consultants have accrued over two decades of clinical experience in all fields of eye disease
Cutting Edge Technology
We only use the most advanced and up-to-date equipment in all our diagnostic and treatment procedures
Scientific Vigilance
Evidence-based practice is the core of everything we do, and we continually adopt new and emerging technology
Patient-Centred Care
We take the trust you put in us extremely seriously, and your best interest will always remain our top priority
What Patients Say
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