Laser peripheral iridotomy is a surgical procedure used to treat angle-closure glaucoma, which is also known as acute glaucoma or narrow-angle glaucoma. The eye has drainage channels at the angle where the iris and cornea meet. If those channels get blocked, pressure builds up within the eye and eventually damages the optic nerve.
Angle-closure glaucoma often develops suddenly and is, therefore, a medical emergency. Symptoms of the condition can include the following:
- Severe pain in the eyes
- Blurred vision caused by a swollen cornea
- Seeing haloes around lights
- A lot of tearing
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
In the sub-acute form of angle-closure glaucoma, the patient has milder symptoms that can include slightly blurred vision, minor pain and seeing haloes around lights.
How is Angle-Closure Glaucoma Treated?
Dr. Patel will start by performing a series of tests to determine the extent of the angles’ closure and to rule out other disorders that can also cause pressure to build up within the eye. She will also check the optic nerve for damage and look for other abnormalities within the eye.
Before performing the iridotomy, medications will be used to make the cornea less cloudy and reduce the pressure within the eye. Since angle-closure glaucoma can also cause dilation of the pupil, another medication will also be used to reduce the pupil’s size.
What Does Laser Peripheral Iridotomy Involve?
During a laser peripheral iridotomy procedure, a laser is used to create an opening in the iris that allows the trapped fluid to reach the drainage channels and relieve the pressure. Dr. Patel may use a Nd:YAG laser, an argon laser or both.
Eye drops will be administered that act as a local anesthetic. Dr. Patel will then place a large contact lens over the eye and aim the laser at the eye. The patient may feel a pinprick or a “pop” in the eye; the procedure is otherwise considered to be fairly comfortable. The doctor will then remove the contact lens and administer more eye drops. Throughout the procedure, she will check the patient’s eye pressure.
The patient may feel some mild discomfort afterwards, or they may feel like they have something in their eye. They may also have blurred vision. Such side effects are normal and fade within a few hours to a few days.
Dr. Patel may prescribe anti-inflammatory eye drops that the patient may need to use for up to a week. We may also schedule an appointment for about a month after the procedure so that we can check on the patient’s recovery and determine if they need further treatment.
While angle-closure glaucoma usually involves just one eye, Dr. Patel may decide to operate on both eyes if she believes the patient might develop angle-closure glaucoma in the other eye.
Risk Factors Associated with Angle-Closure Glaucoma
This condition is more common in people who are far-sighted or have an unusually short eye. People with cataracts, diabetes or certain inflammations like uveitis are also likely to develop it.
Angle-closure glaucoma is more common in Asians than in Caucasians. It tends to affect women more than men, and the risk of developing it increases as a patient gets older.
To learn more about all of the facts about this condition, including your treatment options, visit Dr. Patel at Wichita Vision Institute. Our office is conveniently located in Wichita. Contact us today to book your appointment.
I Can See Clearly Now
by Don Burrows
Category: cataract surgeryDr. Patel saved my wife’s vision and mine too. I now live 770 miles from her office and would still make the trip, even if it required a cross-country trip.
I highly recommend Dr. Patel
by Jim Guhl
Category: cataract surgeryDr. Patel is a physician whose sincere goal is to improve the quality of life for her patients. When I first became a patient under Dr. Patel’s care, I was diagnosed with cataracts in both of my eyes; dry eye syndrome; and astigmatism. Previous records from my Lasik surgery, which occurred 17 years ago, were no longer available. The Lasik surgery documentation was important in determining the exact corrections that now needed to be made to properly correct my astigmatism. Dr. Patel wisely recommended I postpone the cataract removal and astigmatism correction procedure, until she received newly developed diagnostic equipment. This newly developed technology would provide her with the most accurate metrics possible. New specialized lens implants were also becoming available, which would correct my astigmatism. Dr. Patel explained my chances for a successful outcome would be significantly increased if I would be patient and wait a little longer. Dr. Patel is truly a physician with high integrity and would never perform surgery until she knew it was the right time. She truly cares about providing her patients with the best care she can. Dr. Patel successfully treated my dry eye symptoms with a regiment of eye drops, cleansing techniques and vitamins, which prevented me from requiring more extensive - and more expensive treatment. Prior to the surgery on my right eye, she provided me with sample eye drops from her office and coupons for the eye drops I would need to purchase after my surgery. She did all she could to reduce my expenses. During preparations for right eye surgery, Dr. Patel spent quality time with me explaining the results of my pre-surgery testing and asking questions to determine my vision goals. One of my desires was to once again see the front sight on a pistol. I thoroughly enjoyed going to the firing range, but due to the cataract in my right eye I could no longer see the sights, on my pistol. Although the cataract in my left eye was not as bad yet – I was also experiencing difficulty seeing and firing left handed. Using a blue gun (authentic plastic replica of a Sig P229 pistol), Dr. Patel took additional measurements which she used in determining the correct lens to implant, during my surgery. My right eye surgery took place on November 1, 2017. Two days after the surgery, I happened to glance at my mobile phone and for the first time in 10 years or more, I could read the information on the screen without glasses. I pulled the Sig out of its case and – wow! – The sight picture was there clear as a bell. So the right eye cataract is gone along with the rainbow halos around cars at night and the astigmatism has been corrected better than I dreamed possible. Quality of life restored! The process included the latest diagnostic equipment; the newest technology in an intraocular lens implant; and the use of a laser surgery technique performed by Dr. Patel. Sadly, insurance does not cover much of the cost for the process that produces the optimal results. When it comes to the long term correction of your vision and significant increase in the quality of life it is well worth the investment. Dr. Patel is a very accomplished and highly competent physician and surgeon. I will be forever grateful to her for restoring my vision. I highly recommend Dr. Patel. Jim Guhl Wichita, KS November 13, 2017
In Good Hands
by Luke F.
Category: lasik surgeryTalk about a life changing surgery!!! From the consultation to the surgery I knew I was in good hands. I would recommend WVI to anyone who is considering LASIK. Thanks WVI!
Life Changing!
by Ashley J.
Category: lasik surgeryI love Dr. Patel! After having my dreams crushed at another place when they told me I wasn't a candidate, I went to Dr Patel for a lasik consultation. She is very thorough and gave me information about my eyes that no doctor in almost 20 years has told me. A week ago I had Lasik and it has been life changing! I couldn't be happier and I'm so glad I chose Dr Patel. She truly cares about her patients and her passion shows. The wait time can be very long, but if you are prepared for that ahead of time, you won't be disappointed once you see the doctor. I'm recommending WVI to everyone I know. She is now the only doctor I trust for my eyes.
Impressed with Dr. Patel and Staff
by William D.
Category: cataract surgeryI first saw Dr. Patel about 6 years ago when my left eye wandered to the left side and stayed there. She sent me to the Dean McGee Eye Institute in Oklahoma City for further evaluation. No reason was ever found as to why it did that but it corrected itself after about two months. Since then I have been seeing Dr. Patel regularly. I damaged the left eye in an accident and had to have a vitrectomy performed. She referred me to another specialist Dr. Paul Weishaar and that outcome was also great. The eye did develop a cataract and she performed that surgery a few months ago and suggested a plan for treating dry eyes. It was outstanding and since wearing glasses for over 50 years, I now just wear sunglasses. Simply amazing. Dr. Patel and her staff are the greatest and they know other great professionals if the need arises. They also do charity work and they are all a total blessing to me. I would not even consider going anywhere else. Just gotta love them.
Powered by Crystal Clear Digital Marketing Reviews






