Eye Care > Common Eye Conditions > Glaucoma > Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty

Argon laser trabeculoplasty

Argon laser trabeculoplast (ALT) is one type of surgery used to treat glaucoma. In ALT, a laser is used to apply light energy to the eye’s trabecular meshwork. This causes parts of the meshwork to stretch and open up, allowing a fluid called aqueous humor to drain more easily from the eye. No actual cuts or holes are made in the eye.

Hospitalization is not required for this procedure, as it usually lasts about 10 minutes. The only anesthetic necessary is an eye drop. There is virtually no pain during the procedure, although a pinprick sensation is common.

While the treatment is considered low-risk, it will not change your vision. ALT also is successful in decreasing eye pressure in a majority of cases, but it probably will not reduce the pressure enough to eliminate the need for glaucoma drops.

Talk to your Park Nicollet Eye Care professional if you think you may be a candidate for ALT. Call 952-993-3150 to schedule your appointment.

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