Side Effects of Glaucoma Laser Treatments

Glaucoma laser treatments are a form of surgery where a small powerful beam of light is used to open the drainage channels of the eye to decrease the pressure in the eye. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, there are several different forms of laser surgery. Like all surgical procedures, these are not without risk.

Types

• Side effects of glaucoma laser treatments include bleeding, infection, inflammation, an abnormal increase or decrease in eye pressure, cataract formation and, more rarely, a loss of vision. There may also be a small amount of pain or discomfort during the procedure.

Time Frame

• Some side effects are obvious immediately after the procedure--for example, if the eye pressure becomes too high, the person will feel some pain in the eye. Other side effects such as infection may take longer to detect. The surgeon will schedule frequent follow-up examinations to evaluate the success of the surgery and the health of the eye.

Identification

• As a patient, be very aware of any changes in vision, pain or discomfort that may be present. Alert the physician to any loss of vision, floaters (spots in the eyes) or pain--this will help the doctor manage any side effects after surgery.

Prevention/Solution

• Before the glaucoma laser surgery, the physician will often administer a numbing drop which should eliminate any pain during the procedure. After the laser surgery, the doctor will prescribe a drop to decrease inflammation in the eye after the procedure to be used for a few days.

Misconceptions

• Although the goal of glaucoma laser surgery is to lower the pressure inside the eye, after the surgery, the person will often still have to take glaucoma medication. Many people do not realize this and are surprised when the physician continues the eye medications. However, the amount of eye medication may be lowered.