Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (lpi) Is A Safe And Effective Way To Prevent Loss Of Vision From Glaucoma

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Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) is the best treatment for patients suffering with narrow angles or angle closure glaucoma (ACG). It is the safest and an effective way to prevent loss of vision from Glaucoma which is more common in farsighted eyes.

The angle of the eye refers to the space between the iris (colored part of the eye) and cornea (clear front part of the eye). Our eyes produce a fluid called aqueous humor that provides nourishment to the structures in the front part of the eye. This aqueous fluid is drained by structures that reside in the angle. But people who have narrow angles, this fluid cannot drain through the drainage structures in the angle. When this happens, the affected person can be at risk for a form of glaucoma called angle closure glaucoma. In angle closure glaucoma, the optic nerve can be damaged from high eye pressure caused by impaired aqueous fluid drainage. In this condition, it is not necessary that you will experience any symptoms but some people may feel a very sudden, painful rise in intraocular pressure with optic ...
... nerve damage.

Symptoms of an angle closure glaucoma attack are:
1) Headache or eye pain which can be severe and unrelenting
2) Blurred vision
3) Haloes around lights
4) Red, painful eye
5) Nausea and vomiting usually due to associated eye pain

If eye pressure is not relieved within a few hours, there may be permanent vision loss. So, it is best to consult an eye doctor immediately if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms.
Laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) uses a laser beam to make a small hole in the iris, the colored part of the eye. The hole allows the fluid that is trapped behind the iris to drain more freely into the trabecular meshwork (the drainage pathway) of the eye. This typically results in resolution of the forwardly bowed iris thereby opening up the angle of the eye and exposing access to the drainage pathway.

This laser procedure is very safe and it only takes a few minutes. Also, the complications are very rare, only a few very brief episodes of slight discomfort are associated with this procedure. Some people experience a small “pinching” sensation when the laser light is applied. After the procedure, your eye surgeon may recommend anti-inflammatory eye drop medication for the next few days.

While glaucoma treatments cannot restore vision already lost from glaucoma, early detection and treatment of glaucoma offers the best chance of preserving your vision. So, don’t delay if you are having any problem related to your eyes, immediately consult your eye doctor.

About The Author –

Ophthalmology Associates was established in 1969 by Dr. Joe Bussey and Dr. Rufus Roberts. The founding of Ophthalmology Associates facilitated their vision to create a larger multi-specialty eye clinic to provide coverage of all the different types of specialized eye care. In a recent year, Ophthalmology Associates saw over 12,000 new patients, performed over 154,000 exams and procedures, and 10,000 surgical procedures. They also provide a relaxed and comfortable environment for their patients. For more than forty years, Ophthalmology Associates has been trusted and dedicated to providing the highest level of professional skill and technological advances in eye care to the residents of Fort Worth and surrounding communities.