Laser Iridotomy
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What to Expect During the Procedure
The treatment is performed in-office at our Oakland location and usually takes just a few minutes per eye. Our team ensures the process is clear, comfortable, and focused on your safety.
You may receive special eye drops to lower eye pressure, constrict the pupil, and numb the eye. Dr. Hilal-Campo will explain each step and answer any questions prior to beginning.
Using a special lens for precision, Dr. Hilal-Campo applies the laser to create the tiny opening in the iris. Most patients notice only mild pressure, a quick flash of light, or no sensation at all.
Your eye pressure will be checked soon afterward. You may experience temporary blurriness, light sensitivity, mild discomfort, or redness. These effects usually resolve within a few hours to a day, but some patients may notice glare or halos, especially at night, for several weeks. Rarely, these symptoms can persist longer.
Most patients return to normal routines within 24 hours, but driving or operating machinery should be avoided until vision clears. You will be prescribed eye drops (often a steroid and a pressure-lowering medication) to use for a few days. A follow-up visit ensures the opening remains clear, eye pressure is stable, and your vision is fully protected. Regular monitoring is essential to confirm the iridotomy stays patent and your pressure remains controlled.
Benefits of Laser Iridotomy
Laser iridotomy provides lifelong protection against sudden and dangerous pressure increases, safeguarding your vision with a simple, in-office procedure.
This treatment is highly effective in preventing acute angle-closure glaucoma, an ophthalmic emergency that can lead to permanent blindness if untreated. While very effective, it may not prevent all angle-closure events, especially if the angle is already scarred.
The laser procedure is quick, requires no incision, and typically allows you to resume normal activities the next day.
In most cases, a single treatment is sufficient to protect the eye long-term, providing peace of mind and lasting security for your vision. The procedure does not improve vision; its purpose is to preserve existing vision by preventing acute attacks.
Dr. Hilal-Campo brings Columbia University and Mount Sinai training, decades of experience, and advanced laser equipment to ensure the highest level of safety and accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions patients have about laser iridotomy at our Oakland office.
Anesthetic drops are used to numb the eye, and most patients feel little more than a light pressure or brief flash of light during the procedure.
Blurry vision, glare, halos, or light sensitivity may occur for a few hours, but usually clear within a day. Some patients may experience these symptoms, especially glare or halos at night, for several weeks; rarely, they may persist longer.
Laser iridotomy is not a cure for glaucoma in general. It is the most effective way to prevent and treat angle-closure glaucoma by reducing the risk of dangerous eye pressure spikes. It does not treat open-angle glaucoma.
Yes. It is considered one of the safest procedures in ophthalmology. With advanced technology and careful monitoring, complications are rare and usually temporary.
Schedule Your Eye Care Consultation
If you have been told you have narrow angles or are at risk of angle-closure glaucoma, new patients are always welcome. Schedule an appointment with Diane Hilal-Campo, MD & Associates in Oakland, NJ, to receive expert guidance and personalized care.
