The purpose of the treatment
In glaucoma, the pressure in the eye is too high for what the optic nerve can cope with. Iridotomy lowers the pressure to a level the optic nerve can tolerate, or prevents angle closure, which can occur in both chronic and acute form.
The treatment does not improve vision. The goal is that your vision does not get worse.
Preparation
Bring over-the-counter painkillers. The drops that constrict the pupil often cause a headache.
How it is done
- Pupil-constricting dropsThe eye is prepared for the laser.
- Numbing dropsThe surface of the eye is numbed.
- Contact lens and laserA small lens is placed on the eye, and the laser makes a small hole in the iris so fluid can flow through.
When you get home
Pain: A few people have pain during the first 24 hours, usually because the contact lens has scratched the cornea. Take over-the-counter painkillers. If you have severe pain that persists, contact the clinic during opening hours or the out-of-hours medical service (lægevagten) outside opening hours.
Eye drops: You will be prescribed drops, which you collect at the pharmacy and use 3 times a day for a week.