YAG Peripheral Iridotomy (PI) in Delray Beach, FL

In normal eye function, aqueous ocular fluid typically flows steadily between the lens and iris. It then filters through the trabecular network housed within the angle of the eye (where the iris and cornea meet). When this flow is blocked or otherwise disrupted, a buildup of fluid can occur, increasing the pressure within the eye. Increased intraocular pressure, also known as glaucoma, poses a significant risk to eye health and can cause damage to the optic nerve that leads to vision loss or blindness. A YAG peripheral iridotomy (PI) is a laser procedure performed at Rothchild Eye Institute to create an additional drainage channel within the eye and relieve intraocular pressure. If you have acute-angle closure glaucoma or narrow-angle closure glaucoma, please schedule a visit with one of our board-certified ophthalmologists and learn if a YAG laser iridotomy in Delray Beach, FL can help improve your eye health.

Because glaucoma causes damage to the optic nerve as a result of abnormally high eye pressure, the main benefit of YAG peripheral iridotomy is that it assists with controlling eye pressure. If left uncontrolled, it has the potential to cause damage to the optic nerve and retina. Additional benefits of YAG PI laser treatment include helping to relieve the following symptoms:

• Recurring headaches
• Aches or pains in the eye area
• Blurred or fuzzy vision
• Nausea
• Redness in the eye
• Halos around light sources

Additionally, reducing ocular pressure can improve the draining of fluid in your eye and prevent build-up in the future. If you believe YAG PI laser treatment in Delray Beach, FL can assist you, contact our team of eye professionals.

YAG peripheral iridotomy is often recommended for eyes that have an angle or pupil closed. A YAG peripheral iridotomy can also be performed in individuals with glaucoma who need an operation to reduce intraocular eye pressure. This laser treatment is safe and effective for preventing optic nerve damage by reducing IOP. Though it is primarily used to reduce eye pressure, YAG peripheral iridotomy can also be performed as a preventive treatment for eyes that have a normal IOP, but have a slightly closed occludable angle or are a risk of developing an angle closure.

YAG laser PI procedures are performed on an outpatient basis at our modern Delray Beach, FL eye center and typically only take a few minutes to complete. After positioning you in front of our YAG laser, one of our ophthalmologists will administer numbing eye drops and may place a lens over your eye for enhanced laser precision. The YAG laser will then be used to create a small incision on the outer edge of the iris, opening the angle of the eye and providing an alternate channel through which the built-up aqueous fluid can drain more efficiently. This helps decrease ocular pressure within the eye to help manage glaucoma effectively. Recovery time following a YAG PI laser treatment is generally short, allowing most patients to return to their normal activities relatively quickly.

Recovery after a YAG laser peripheral iridotomy is a relatively quick process, with most patients typically being able to return to their regular routine within 1–2 days. Immediately following the procedure, patients may experience dark, transparent spots, or "floaters," in their vision for a few weeks. As the eyes heal, the amount of floaters will begin to diminish. Many individuals notice improved vision a few days after their YAG laser peripheral iridotomy, with significant results becoming apparent after about two days.

Who is a candidate for the YAG peripheral iridotomy?
The YAG peripheral iridotomy in Delray Beach, FL, is typically recommended for patients with acute angle-closure glaucoma or narrow angle-closure glaucoma.

Is the YAG peripheral iridotomy painful?
Your eyes will be numbed with local anesthetic eye drops, but some patients do report minor discomfort. These symptoms may last as a foreign body sensation in the eye following the procedure but should dissipate within a few hours.

How effective is the YAG peripheral iridotomy?
In the majority of cases, the YAG laser iridotomy in Delray Beach, FL, can effectively open a new channel for fluid to drain and escape, lowering and controlling eye pressure and stalling the progression of glaucoma. If the surgery proves ineffective, or if eye changes such as normal aging or cataract formation close off the channel again, your next options for glaucoma management, including other surgeries and medications, can be discussed with your doctor.

How long does a YAG peripheral iridotomy procedure take?
The YAG peripheral iridotomy procedure typically takes only a few minutes to complete. However, you may need to allow additional time for preparation and post-procedure monitoring at our Delray Beach, FL, office.

Are there any restrictions after a YAG peripheral iridotomy?
Most patients can resume normal activities within a day, but you may be advised to avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or activities that increase eye pressure for a few days. Your ophthalmologist will provide specific instructions based on your individual needs.

Can I drive myself home after a YAG peripheral iridotomy?
It’s recommended to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure, as your vision may be temporarily blurry or sensitive to light. This should resolve within a few hours, but having assistance ensures your safety and comfort immediately following the procedure.

Glaucoma is a common yet serious threat to eye health for many patients throughout South Florida. The ophthalmologists at Rothchild Eye Institute are experts in treating all phases of glaucoma and performing cutting-edge laser procedures, including YAG peripheral iridotomies in Delray Beach, FL. For more on YAG PI laser treatment in Delray Beach, FL and other glaucoma treatments or to learn about the insurance plans we accept, please contact our eye center today.