Ask A Doctor - Ophthalmology

Q.
How often can laser surgery be performed on the eye to lower ocular pressure due to glaucoma? Is this repeated procedure dangerous to the eye?

A.
Argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) is done to lower intra-ocular pressure in those patients with open angle glaucoma who are not adequately controlled on maximum tolerated medical therapy. This may be performed in one or two stages in which half of the drainage system is treated at a time. Repeat ALT is generally not effective for long-term intra-ocular pressure control. Only about 20% of patients have a second pressure lowering response lasting at least one year.

A.
The length of the recovery period following cataract surgery is dependent on the size of the surgical incision. Using modern techniques, incisions should be self-sealing and are one-eighth inch long. This allows the implantation of a foldable intra-ocular lens. No stitches are used. When this procedure is performed, there are very few limitations in activity post-operatively. Full activity may be resumed with no restrictions in one week. New eye glasses may be prescribed in two weeks.