Laser therapy for open-angle glaucoma.

Abstract

Management of open-angle glaucoma is complex and consists of medications, laser therapy, and conventional surgery. Laser therapy is a vital component of management, with the most common procedure being a trabeculoplasty, which reduces intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous outflow. This review discusses the indications, contraindications, and specific techniques for laser trabeculoplasty. The use of holmium sclerostomy is also discussed. With recent advances in laser and fiberoptic technology, sclerostomy is proving to be a simpler procedure than conventional filtering surgery, while providing comparable effectiveness.