Overview

Cyclodiode laser treatment is a procedure used to lower the eye pressure in people with glaucoma.  

Fluid is produced in your eye (aqueous humour) and flows through the pupil into the front of the eye. It then drains away through drainage channels. If you have glaucoma, the fluid in the eye cannot drain away properly, which can result in a build-up of pressure within the eye. This high pressure injures the nerve that carries information from your eye to your brain (the optic nerve) and damages your vision.

The cyclodiode laser directs treatment at the area in the eye that produces aqueous humor. The laser therapy lowers the pressure in the eye by reducing the production of fluid within the eye. The reduced production of fluid causes the eye pressure to fall.

Benefits of cyclodiode laser treatment

Cyclodiode laser treatment is generally successful and well tolerated. In some patients, the treatment also reduces pain caused by high pressure.  

It's important to remember that this procedure is done to save the sight you still have. It will not restore any sight you may have already lost, and it will not improve your sight. 

Risks of cyclodiode laser treatment

30 out of 100 patients (30%) will need repeat treatment with the laser to achieve low pressure in the eye.

It's rare to have any serious complications after this procedure. In some cases reduced vision may last for up to 6 weeks. The pressure may be too high or too low following treatment.

In very rare cases, persistently very low pressure can cause permanent loss of vision and change the cosmetic appearance of the eye.

Other treatment options

This type of laser is recommended when other treatments have not worked, or are unlikely to be effective. 

If you do not have the laser treatment, there is a risk that your sight or the pain in your eye will get worse because of the glaucoma. Your doctors will have thought about these risks when deciding whether or not to advise you to have this treatment. 

Giving your permission (consent)

We want to involve you in decisions about your care and treatment. If you decide to have the procedure or treatment, we will ask you to sign a consent form. This says that you understand what is involved and agree to have the treatment.

Read more about our consent process.

Preparing for treatment

It's important that you continue to take your normal eye drops and medicines on the day of treatment, unless your doctor has told you not to. 

During treatment

The procedure is normally done under local anaesthetic (where the eye is numbed).

The laser is applied through the sclera (the white of your eye) using a pen-like instrument. At the end of the procedure, an injection of steroid is given to help reduce inflammation that may occur following the laser treatment. An eye pad will be applied over the eye. You'll be given drops to take at home. The procedure normally lasts about 20 minutes.

You'll probably need to continue using your glaucoma eye drops and you will be given information about this before you leave. 

Pain during the procedure

You'll be given local anaesthetic before the procedure which numbs the eye, so you should not feel any pain. However, you may feel pressure or discomfort on the eye during the procedure. Your eye may be red and sore when the anaesthetic wears off. If this happens, you should take regular painkillers. Always follow the instructions on the packet.  

After the procedure

Your eye may be red and sore when the anaesthetic wears off. If this happens, you should take regular painkillers. Always follow the instructions on the packet.  

Your sight may be blurred for a few days or even a few weeks. This should settle to how it was before you had the laser treatment.

Follow-up appointments

We will arrange a clinic appointment for you to have your eye pressure checked to see how you have responded to the laser therapy.