---
title: "Glaucoma laser surgery | Eye Health Guide"
description: "How laser treatment lowers eye pressure in glaucoma and ocular hypertension, the main types, what happens on the day, and what to expect afterwards."
url: https://eyehealthguide.org/treatments/glaucoma-laser-surgery/
source: Eye Health Guide
licence: "General information only. Cite the URL and the named medical reviewer."
---

Treatment

# Glaucoma laser surgery

Medical reviewer [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/mohamed-mohyudin/)· Last recorded site review July 6, 2026

### About this review

This page inherits the site’s previous review record. A separate, current article sign-off has not yet been recorded.

[How review works](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/) · [Official biography & credentials](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/author/mohamed-mohyudin/)

Quick answer

Glaucoma laser surgery uses a focused laser to lower eye pressure when drops are not enough or as an additional treatment. The most common type for open-angle glaucoma is selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), which improves drainage through the trabecular meshwork. It is done in clinic with numbing drops, takes a few minutes, and may need repeating over time.

### On this page ⌄

1. What it is
2. Common types
3. What happens on the day
4. What to expect
5. Conditions this can help
6. Frequently asked questions

## What it is

Laser surgery for glaucoma aims to lower eye pressure to protect the optic nerve. Unlike incisional glaucoma surgery, it uses a laser applied to the eye's drainage system or, in angle-closure glaucoma, to the iris. It is often used when eye drops are not controlling pressure well enough, cause side effects, or are difficult to use.

## Common types

The type of laser depends on your kind of glaucoma.

- SLT (selective laser trabeculoplasty) for open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension
- Laser peripheral iridotomy to create a small hole in the iris in angle-closure glaucoma
- Laser cyclophotocoagulation for advanced glaucoma when other treatments have not worked

## What happens on the day

The procedure is usually done in an outpatient clinic with numbing drops.

- Drops to numb the eye and sometimes to prevent pressure spikes
- A contact lens placed gently on the eye to focus the laser
- A few minutes of laser treatment, which may feel like brief flashes or mild discomfort
- Anti-inflammatory drops afterwards and a check of eye pressure

## What to expect

Eye pressure often falls over days to weeks, though drops may still be needed. SLT can be repeated if the effect wears off. Serious complications are uncommon, but you may have temporary blurring, light sensitivity, or inflammation, which your clinician will monitor.

## Conditions this can help

## Frequently asked questions

### Is glaucoma laser surgery painful?

The eye is numbed with drops, so most people feel only brief flashes or mild discomfort rather than pain. Any soreness or light sensitivity afterwards is usually mild and short-lived.

### How effective is laser treatment for glaucoma?

SLT lowers eye pressure in many people, often for several years, though the effect can wear off and the laser may be repeated. It does not restore vision already lost from glaucoma, but it helps protect the sight you have.

### Can I stop eye drops after glaucoma laser?

Some people need fewer drops or none for a time, but many still need ongoing treatment. Your eye specialist will check your pressure and adjust your plan rather than stopping drops without guidance.

Your next step

## Take this to your appointment

Write down what has changed, when it started, your current medicines and the questions you want answered. Take these to your eye-care appointment.

Sudden loss of sight, severe eye pain or a dark curtain across vision needs immediate assessment. Do not wait to complete a worksheet.

## Sources for this information

These references support the information on this page. Follow the linked source for its full context.

- [National Eye Institute - Glaucoma](https://www.nei.nih.gov/eye-health-information/eye-conditions-and-diseases/glaucoma)