Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI)

Why use YAG Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI)?

• LPI is used to treat and help prevent an acute angle closure emergency and glaucoma.

• A tiny opening is created in the iris (the coloured part of the eye) to help widen the pathway to the drain of the eye. This helps reduce the chance of the drainage pathway closing; preventing rapidly increasing eye pressures, irreversible damage to the optic nerve and permanent vision loss.

• Watch this short animation for more information

LPI risks may include:

• Increased eye pressure

• Blurry vision

• Swelling

• Redness

• Irritation

• Light sensitivity

• Bothersome glare

• In rare cases LPI may be associated with permanent significant vision loss

Preparation instructions:

• Use all of your medications and eye drops as prescribed

• Consume your food and drink as usual

• You must bring a driver

• An anesthetic drop will be put in your eye(s) to numb the area

• While it is normal to feel nervous, the procedure only takes minutes to perform and is generally very well tolerated

Post-treatment instructions:

• Your vision will be blurred for 2-4 hours due to the pilocarpine drops instilled in your eye(s) prior to the laser, do not drive or operate heavy machinery until the following day

  • Pilocarpine may cause a brow/headache

• A prescription for a drop will be provided to you for the following days

• You will be provided a follow-up appointment in 6-8 weeks

• If you experience any significant pain please contact our office