Laser Procedures

Vista Eye Care offers a number of laser procedures to better serve our patients.

To learn more about the specific laser procedures we offer please see below and request an appointment with your eye care provider.

YAG Posterior Capsulotomy

25% of patients will experience a secondary cataract after cataract surgery called posterior opacification. This is a cloud or film that develops behind the intraocular lens that was implanted. If this occurs, you may experience blurred vision, glare or halos around lights. Posterior opacification can be treated with a YAG laser to remove the cloud or film and restore clear vision. This is a simple, painless procedure which only takes a few minutes and is covered by medical insurance.

Laser Trabeculoplasty

Laser trabeculoplasty is a procedure designed for patients who have glaucoma and are unable to control the intraocular pressure with eye drops. If glaucoma is uncontrolled, it can cause peripheral vision loss. Laser trabeculoplasty (“ALT” or “SLT” depending on the laser type), enhances the outflow of fluid from a part of the eye called the trabecular meshwork. This procedure helps lowers intraocular pressure and is often used in conjunction with eye drop therapy to control glaucoma, and is covered by medical insurance.

Laser peripheral iridotomy

Laser peripheral iridotomy (“LPI”) is used in patients with narrow angles. Narrow angles occur when the space between the colored part of the eye (the iris) and the outermost part of the eye (the cornea) is too small. Narrow angles disrupt the normal drainage system of the eye, which if not treated may cause a dangerous elevation in eye pressure. The treatment is an LPI, which creates a microscopic opening in the iris to restore the normal drainage of fluid within the eye. If not treated, intraocular pressure may increase, resulting in peripheral vision loss; this is called narrow angle glaucoma. Narrow angles usually do not have symptoms, unless the pressure increases rapidly to cause severe pain around the eye, vomiting, headaches and blurred vision.

Laser peripheral iridotomies are outpatient procedures and covered under medical insurance. Prior to performing the laser, the eye doctor will numb the eye and use a drop to constrict the pupil. Then a handheld lens will be used to visualize the structures in the eye and direct the laser. After the laser is performed the intraocular pressure will be checked and you are free to resume normal activities. It is important to continue to monitor this condition with your eye care provider, even after the laser has been performed.