Dr. Khosla offers laser eye treatments in Calgary at his main office to correct and prevent glaucoma and for “After Cataracts.” Our laser eye treatments can be done right here in our clinic by Dr. Khosla.
What is laser peripheral Iridotomy?
An Iridotomy is a small hole created with the laser beam in the outer part of the iris (colored part of the eye). A laser peripheral Iridotomy is performed to treat or prevent a sudden rise in pressure inside the eye (acute glaucoma). A sustained rise in pressure can cause a permanent loss of side and central vision. The Iridotomy allows fluid to circulate freely within the eye minimizing the risk of a sight-threatening pressure rise. There are three reasons for this procedure:
It might prevent scar formation between the iris and cornea which can lead to the progression of glaucoma.
Risks - As with any procedure, laser treatment has risks, however, risks and complications are uncommon.The most common complications are:
Closure of the iridotomy may occur, requiring re-treatment.
The Procedure -The treatment takes approximately 5 minutes, but please allow between one to two hours to be at the clinic.
There is minimal discomfort, if any.
After your treatment
Please call the clinic at (403) 474-0025 if you experience severe pain or loss of vision.
What is laser peripheral Iridotomy?
The posterior capsule is the fine transparent membrane behind your natural lens, which is left in the eye to support the artificial lens implant when you have a cataract operation. In about 2 in 10 patients, the transparent membrane becomes cloudy after cataract surgery(secondary cataract), causing a gradual reduction in vision. This can occur months to years after surgery. The purpose of laser treatment (capsulotomy) is to create an opening in the cloudy membrane in order to restore vision.
Intended benefits - Improved eyesight (an updated glasses prescription may be needed to optimize vision).
Risks - As with any procedure, laser treatment has risks, and improvement in eyesight cannot be guaranteed. Serious complications are rare.
A second treatment with the laser may be required.
The Procedure -The treatment takes approximately 5 minutes, but please allow between one and two hours at the clinic.
There is minimal discomfort if any.
After your treatment
Please call the clinic at (403) 474-0025 if you experience severe pain or loss of vision after the laser treatment.
What is laser trabeculoplasty?
Laser trabeculoplasty is a treatment for open-angle glaucoma. It uses laser light that is applied to the trabecular meshwork. The trabecular meshwork is an area made up of tiny channels where fluid drains from the eye. The energy from the laser lets fluid drain more easily from the front part of the eye, which lowers pressure in the eye.
Why is it done?
Laser trabeculoplasty may be used to treat glaucoma as a first treatment or along with glaucoma medicine.
Risks:
Complications of laser trabeculoplasty are rare. The most common complication of laser surgery for glaucoma is an increase in the pressure in the eyes. The pressure may be normal immediately after laser surgery and rise sharply within 1 to 4 hours after laser surgery. To prevent this problem, Dr, Kholsa may put medicine in your eyes (such as apraclonidine or brimonidine) before or after laser surgery, especially in people with high intraocular pressure before laser surgery.
Other complications of laser surgery may include:
Decreased vision is usually a temporary problem unless there is a significant rise in the pressure inside the eye. Very high pressures inside the eye can lead to permanent vision loss.
Procedure
Dr. Khosla will put drops in your eye to numb it. A special microscope (slit lamp) is used along with a lens (goniolens) that is placed on the eye. They guide the laser beam to the trabecular meshwork (the drainage system in the eye, where your iris meets your cornea). The doctor uses the laser to apply small amounts of energy in the meshwork.
At the end of the surgery, Dr. Khosla will put drops in your eye to help control the eye pressure.
How does it feel?
You will likely feel some pressure, but not pain in your eye during the laser surgery.
What can you expect after laser trabeculoplasty?
You will need to book a follow-up exam, usually within 4 to 8 weeks after your treatment.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call Calgary Eye Specialist Clinic if you are having problems (such as pain, being sensitive to light, poor vision). It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Surgery Overview
Laser trabeculoplasty uses a very focused beam of light to treat the drainage angle of the eye. This surgery makes it easier for fluid to flow out of the front part of the eye, decreasing pressure in the eye.
For laser trabeculoplasty:
Some people feel some pressure in the eye during the surgery.
What To Think About
Laser trabeculoplasty is less effective in people who have inflammatory glaucoma, a type of glaucoma caused by an existing inflammation. Laser trabeculoplasty is not done for patients who have closed-angle glaucoma.
The drop in pressure in the eye after laser surgery may not be enough to prevent loss of eyesight in people with very high pressure who have already lost some of their vision.
If damage to the optic nerve continues after laser trabeculoplasty, other surgery may be needed.
Please call the clinic at (403) 474-0025 if you experience severe pain or loss of vision after the laser treatment.