Laser Iridotomy and Narrow Angles
Question: My eye doctor wants to perform a laser iridotomy on my eye because I have narrow angles. I don't have glaucoma, so why do I need to have this procedure done?
Answer:
Narrow angles may be a precursor to angle-closure glaucoma, the kind of glaucoma that can have a sudden, painful onset or a slow unrelenting downhill course.
The best time to prevent the damage that angle-closure glaucoma can cause is to treat it with a laser iridotomy before the actual disease sets in. This is preventative medicine at its best.
Although not everyone with narrow angles actually develops glaucoma, careful evaluation of the angle structure can identify who is at greatest risk.
The angle structure is determined by an examination called gonioscopy which is performed with a special contact lens called a gonioprism.
By performing a laser iridotomy, your doctor is trying to save you from the risk of acute angle-closure glaucoma.
Article by Robert L. Stamper, MD. Last reviewed March 16, 2022.
Robert L. Stamper, MD
Robert L. Stamper, MD is a Distinguished Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology and Director Emeritus of the Glaucoma Service at University of California, San Francisco.