Laser Therapy for Glaucoma: What You Should Know
Tired of daily eye drops?
Laser treatment may offer another path.
If your eye pressure stays high despite medication,
your doctor might recommend laser therapy.
What does it involve?
Is it safe?
Can it work for you?
Let’s break it down.
What Laser Therapy Does
Glaucoma damages your optic nerve.
High eye pressure is a major factor.
Laser treatment aims to lower pressure.
It helps your eye drain fluid more easily.
There are two common types:
SLT (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty)
ALT (Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty)
Both target the eye’s drainage system.
They don’t cure glaucoma.
But they help slow its effects.
Who Should Consider It?
Laser therapy is for:
People who can’t tolerate eye drops
Patients whose drops no longer work
Those who prefer a non-surgical option
Anyone seeking fewer medications
Doctors may also suggest it as a first-line treatment.
What Happens During the Procedure?
It’s done in your eye doctor’s office.
No hospital stay.
No general anesthesia.
Steps include:
You sit at a laser machine
A lens is placed on your eye
The doctor applies brief laser pulses
The process takes 5–10 minutes
You might feel slight pressure or stinging.
Most people tolerate it well.
What to Expect After Treatment
You can go home right after.
You may need eye drops for a few days.
Some people notice:
Blurry vision (short-term)
Mild eye redness
Slight irritation
Your doctor will check your eye pressure again within days or weeks.
The full effect may take up to 6 weeks.
How Well Does It Work?
Studies show laser treatment can reduce eye pressure by 20–30%.
Results vary.
SLT often works as well as eye drops.
ALT may be less effective long-term.
It may last for several years.
If pressure rises again,
you can repeat SLT.
Is It Better Than Eye Drops?
It depends on your case.
Benefits of laser therapy:
No need for daily drops (for some)
Fewer side effects
Lower risk of missing doses
Minimal recovery time
Drawbacks:
It might not work for everyone
Pressure can still rise later
You may still need eye drops afterward
Talk to your doctor about your pressure history and goals.
Are There Any Risks?
Yes—but serious ones are rare.
Possible risks include:
Eye pressure spike after treatment
Inflammation
Eye pain
Vision changes (usually temporary)
Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory drops to reduce side effects.
Can You Combine It with Other Treatments?
Yes.
Laser treatment can:
Replace drops in some cases
Work with drops for added effect
Delay the need for surgery
If you’ve had laser before and pressure rises again,
your doctor might suggest surgery next.
How Do You Know If It’s Right for You?
Ask yourself:
Are drops no longer working?
Do you forget doses often?
Do you have trouble affording prescriptions?
Are you looking to reduce your daily routine?
Bring these points up at your next visit.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
What type of laser treatment do you recommend?
How much pressure drop should I expect?
Will I still need eye drops?
What are the chances it won’t work?
Can I repeat the treatment if needed?
Clear answers help you decide with confidence.
Final Thoughts
Laser therapy isn’t for everyone.
But it’s a real option for many people with glaucoma.
It’s quick.
It’s low-risk.
And it might help protect your vision—without daily drops.
Talk to your doctor to see if it fits your treatment plan.
