Laser Peripheral Iridotomy for Glaucoma Treatment

What is laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI)?

Peripheral iridotomy is normally performed to treat people with closed or narrow drainage angles. While narrow angles have not completely blocked the drainage system in the eye, it can quickly lead to the development of acute angle closure glaucoma. In this scenario, fluid in the eye accumulates, leading to very high pressure and a significant risk of permanent vision loss.

During the procedure, a laser is used to make a small hole in the peripheral iris (coloured part of the eye). This small aperture opens the narrow angle, allows fluid to drain normally and lowers the eye pressure. The laser procedure itself takes only a few minutes. You may feel a brief “zap” like sensation that passes quickly.