» How to perform a Laser Iridotomy (Video) : RootAtlas

How to perform a Laser Iridotomy (Video)

Last updated November 1, 2007

length: 1:15 minutes

This video shows a laser iridotomy performed on an eye with angle-closure glaucoma. A laser periphery iridotomy (LPI) is a procedure where you use a laser to blast a hole through the iris. This allows fluid from behind the iris to flow forward into the anterior chamber … and eventually drain out of the eye. This “hole” thus allows the pressure to equilize on either side of the iris plane and thus prevents attacks of acute “angle-closure” glaucoma.

In this case, a Yag laser is being used. The key to success is to locate an iris crypt (an area of natural thinning) through which to aim your shots. Keep going until you see the plume of pigment/fluid come forward … watch this video, and it will make more sense.

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laseriridotomy.wmv (8.6 meg, Windows video file)
laseriridotomy.mov (Quicktime format coming soon)

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Comments and Feedback
7 Comments »

thank you it was usefull

Comment by mohanna — November 4, 2007 @ 9:51 am

This video shows how an iridotomy is done, but it doesn’t show the consequnces: severe double vision, white horizontal line that obstructs the view, strange flashes of light, blurred vision and - quite commonly - a rise in IOP that may cause a glaucoma attack.
Itidotomies shoudn’t be done!!!

Editor’s Note: I have made a lengthy response to this issue at this page. Thank you.

Comment by Kitty Haddo — November 27, 2007 @ 7:19 pm

Thank you. I feel a bit of relief being able to view this prior to my family member having this procedure.

Comment by Margie Larsen — February 20, 2008 @ 9:54 am

All that iris debris coming off–does it cause any complications?

Comment by L F — April 4, 2008 @ 11:59 pm

Of course, this debris can cause many complications. It obstructs the trabecular meshwork and thus leads to an increase in IOP which is difficult to control.
Research done on enucleated eyes has revealed that even after 12 or 15 years there are still particles of this debris to be found in the eye.
It also leads to blurred vision. It’s like having floaters. Some people get accustomed to this, others don’t.
The debris will leave the eye via the trabecular meshwork after a few weeks, but only if that meshwork is healthy. If it isn’t, e.g. if the patient, besides having narrow angles, has also open angle glaucoma, the debris may remain in the eye for years, increasing the IOP. So invasive surgery may be necessary.

Comment by Phil — April 6, 2008 @ 4:43 pm

I just had an iridotomy the other day. The onyt side effects I experienced were very minor discomfort(pain) and significant floaters for about 9 hours afterwards. 48 hours after I can not tell any difference to before the procedure. Will have the other eye done next week after this eye’s follow up….

Comment by Tony Brooks — November 21, 2008 @ 7:21 pm

I had the Laser Peripheral Iridotomy done in june 2008 in both eyes. My right eye is sore and hurts every day, is this normal? Can I expect this is go away? My last check I was told everything looked good and the doctor did not want to hear anything I had to say.
thank you
tricia

Comment by tricia hudson — November 24, 2008 @ 11:43 am

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