Glaucoma laser treatment lowers eye pressure by improving the drainage of fluid from the eye or creating a new pathway for fluid to circulate, depending on the type of glaucoma being treated. Lowering eye pressure helps reduce the risk of further optic nerve damage.
Glaucoma is a condition that causes progressive damage to the optic nerve, often associated with increased pressure inside the eye. In many cases, glaucoma develops without noticeable symptoms, which is why regular eye examinations are important for early detection. Some patients experience mild eye discomfort or a sensation of pressure around the eyes, while more advanced disease can lead to gradual peripheral vision loss.
Acute glaucoma presents differently and causes a sudden rise in eye pressure, requiring urgent and immediate treatment. Symptoms include:
Learn more about glaucoma, including its types and causes here.
Laser peripheral iridotomy is used to treat narrow or closed drainage angles. A laser creates a very small opening in the peripheral iris, allowing aqueous humour to pass more freely from the back of the eye to the front. This helps equalise pressure across the iris, allowing the drainage angle to open and reducing the risk of sudden increases in eye pressure or an acute angle-closure attack.
Before treatment, anaesthetic eye drops are used to numb the eye and a contact lens is placed on the surface to help direct the laser. You will be seated at the laser machine while a series of laser pulses is applied to create the opening in the iris. During the procedure, you will see bright flashes of light and can feel brief tapping, pressure or mild stinging. The entire treatment takes only 10 to 15 minutes.
After treatment, your vision can be slightly blurred and the eye can feel mildly uncomfortable. Your eye pressure is checked after the procedure, and anti-inflammatory eye drops are prescribed for a short period. Follow-up examinations are arranged to check that the opening remains patent, assess the drainage angle and monitor your eye pressure.
Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is used to lower eye pressure in open-angle glaucoma. The laser applies low-energy pulses to the trabecular meshwork, which is the eye’s natural drainage system. This stimulates changes within the drainage tissue that help aqueous humour leave the eye more effectively, reducing pressure inside the eye. The pressure-lowering effect develops gradually over the following weeks.
Before treatment, anaesthetic eye drops are used to numb the eye and a contact lens is placed on the surface to provide a clear view of the drainage angle. You will be seated at the laser machine while a series of laser pulses is applied to the trabecular meshwork. You will see flashes of light during the procedure, which takes only 10 to 15 minutes.
After treatment, vision will be slightly blurred, and the eye can feel mildly irritated or sensitive to light for the rest of the day. Your eye pressure will be checked after the procedure and further follow-up visits are arranged to monitor your eye pressure and assess how well the treatment is working.
Transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TCP) is a laser treatment used to lower eye pressure in glaucoma by reducing the amount of aqueous humour produced inside the eye. A laser probe is placed against the outside of the eye and delivers energy through the sclera to the ciliary body, which produces the aqueous humour. Treatment can either be performed using continuous-wave cyclodiode laser or micropulse laser, which delivers the energy in short pulses with cooling periods between each pulse.
Before treatment, anaesthetic eye drops are used to numb the eye, and sedation is given if required. The laser probe is positioned against the white part of the eye over the ciliary body and moved around the eye as a series of laser applications are delivered. The procedure does not require an incision into the eye and generally takes a short time to complete.
After treatment, the eye can feel sore, red or mildly swollen, and vision can be temporarily blurred. Anti-inflammatory and pressure-lowering eye drops are prescribed to promote healing while the eye settles. Follow-up appointments are also arranged to monitor the eye pressure and inflammation.
From your initial consultation to treatment and follow-up care, our team will guide you through every stage of your journey. We will take the time to explain your condition, answer your questions and help you feel informed and supported throughout your care.
Your consultation begins with a detailed assessment of your vision and eye health. Depending on your condition, this may include measurements of your vision and eye pressure, examination of the front and back of the eye, and advanced diagnostic imaging.
Our team will guide you through each test and explain what is being assessed. Your results will then be carefully reviewed to understand your individual needs and determine whether monitoring or treatment may be recommended.
Every eye and every patient is different. Your treatment plan will be tailored according to your examination findings, visual needs, general health and lifestyle.
We will explain the recommended treatment, its expected benefits, possible risks and any suitable alternatives in a clear and straightforward manner. You will have time to ask questions and consider your options before deciding how you would like to proceed.
Before your treatment, our team will guide you through the necessary preparations, paperwork and medication instructions. Where applicable, we will explain how to use your prescribed eye drops and how to care for your eyes afterwards.
We understand that undergoing a procedure can feel unfamiliar or worrying. Our team will be available to answer your questions and ensure that you know what to expect before the day of your treatment.
On the day of your procedure, you will arrive at the hospital or surgical centre where your operation has been scheduled. The surgical team will help you prepare and explain what will happen at each stage.
Anaesthetic eye drops or other forms of anaesthesia may be used, depending on the procedure, to keep you comfortable. Your doctor and the surgical team will support and reassure you throughout the operation.
Most eye surgeries are performed as day procedures, although the duration and recovery process will depend on the treatment you receive. Your vision may be temporarily blurred afterwards, so you should arrange for someone to accompany you home and should not drive unless your doctor has advised that it is safe to do so.
We will provide clear instructions on how to care for your eyes, use any prescribed medication and manage your activities during recovery. We will also explain which symptoms are expected and when you should contact the clinic for further advice.
Follow-up appointments allow us to monitor your vision, assess your recovery and identify any concerns at an early stage. Our team remains accessible should you have any questions or concerns throughout your recovery.
Glaucoma-related vision loss cannot be reversed, but early and effective pressure control helps protect your remaining sight. Book a consultation at Ascend Eye Clinic to find out which laser treatment is most suitable for your type and stage of glaucoma.
Laser treatment is used to lower eye pressure and reduce further stress on the optic nerve. We recommend it when additional pressure control is needed or when it forms part of the overall treatment plan for your glaucoma.
Anaesthetic eye drops are used before treatment. You may notice bright flashes of light and mild pressure or brief discomfort during the procedure, but the treatment itself is generally well tolerated.
Yes. Glaucoma laser treatment is performed while you are awake. The eye is numbed with anaesthetic drops, and we will guide you throughout the procedure.
The treatment itself is relatively brief. Additional time is needed before and after the procedure for preparation, eye pressure checks and any required eye drops.
You will see bright flashes of light while the laser is being applied. This is expected and does not mean that the eye is being damaged.
Vision can be temporarily blurred after the procedure because of the treatment and any drops used during the appointment. Mild glare or light sensitivity can also occur and settles as the eye recovers.
We recommend arranging transport home if your vision is blurred or your pupils have been dilated. You should only return to driving once your vision has cleared sufficiently for you to drive safely.
The pressure-lowering effect develops over the following weeks. We will check your eye pressure after treatment and assess how well the eye has responded.
This depends on the pressure achieved after treatment. Some patients require fewer drops, while others continue using medication to maintain the target eye pressure. We will adjust your treatment according to the response.
A single treatment provides sufficient pressure reduction for many patients. The effect can reduce over time, and repeat treatment or additional glaucoma treatment is sometimes required if the pressure rises again.
No. Glaucoma laser treatment does not restore vision that has already been lost from optic nerve damage. Its purpose is to lower eye pressure and help protect the remaining vision.
Most normal activities can be resumed soon after laser treatment. Avoid rubbing the eye on the day of the procedure, and follow any instructions we provide regarding eye drops or activity restrictions.
Temporary blurred vision, mild discomfort, inflammation and a short-term rise in eye pressure can occur. We monitor the eye after treatment and provide medication when needed to control these effects.
Yes. The pressure-lowering effect can reduce over time as the drainage system changes. Regular follow-up allows us to detect this early and decide whether repeat laser, medication or another treatment is needed.
Yes. Glaucoma requires ongoing monitoring even when the laser has lowered the eye pressure. We continue checking the pressure, optic nerve and visual field to make sure the condition remains stable.
