What Is an Argon Laser Used for in Ophthalmology?

Trabeculoplasty is a laser treatment for an eye condition called glaucoma. Glaucoma is a long-standing condition that damages the optic nerve due to increased eye pressure. Trabeculoplasty helps to open the drainage area of the eye and reduce the eye pressure. Nowadays, laser surgery is used for trabeculoplasty, which makes it more effective and less painful.

This procedure does not need any hospitalization and can be carried out by an eye specialist called as an ophthalmologist.

The whole procedure requires about two hours.

Before the treatment,

• A nurse or doctor will test your vision.
• Your eye doctor may administer eye drops to dilate your eyes to allow your doctor to carry out the procedure. 
• You need to wait for 30-40 minutes, so the drops start working on your eyes.
• Your doctor will put some anesthetic eye drops in your eyes to prevent any discomfort.
• A special contact lens will be gently placed on your eye to focus the laser beam.
• Your doctor will ask you to sit in front of the slit-lamp for the treatment.

During the treatment,

• Your doctor will direct a very intense beam of light onto the retina (internal surface of your eye).
• You may see some flashes of light before your eyes.
• It is very essential to keep your head still and not to roll it.
• There may be a slight stinging sensation but nothing more.
• It will take 5-45 minutes depending on your condition.

After the treatment.

• You can leave the clinic immediately.
• Your doctor will inform you about the follow-up visit (approximately within three months).
• You may find that your vision is a blur for the next three to four hours.
• You will be informed not to drive after this treatment for that day.

Side effects include:

• The eye drops used before the procedure may blur your vision for three to four hours even after treatment.
• You may have swelling on your retina (the internal surface of the eye) that gradually resolves with time.
• There is very little risk of worsening your vision clarity.
• You may require a second treatment session.
• It may reduce your night vision for a temporary basis (for some hours).
• Additionally, it may reduce your color vision temporarily (for several hours).
• You may experience some loss of peripheral vision due to laser treatment depending on your eye condition.
• Some may experience floaters (spots before their eyes).
• Occasionally, you may experience a headache for a week after the treatment.
• You will be informed not to drive on that day of treatment; no other restriction on your daily activity will be required.