What is laser eye surgery for glaucoma?

Laser eye surgery for glaucoma refers to types of laser procedure used to treat glaucoma by improving fluid drainage or reducing pressure inside the eye stopping the progression of further damage to the eye. The aim is usually to lower eye pressure, also known as intraocular pressure, which can otherwise damage the optic nerve and affect peripheral vision.

Common types of laser eye surgery for glaucoma include selective laser trabeculoplasty, laser peripheral iridotomy and laser iridotomy. Selective laser treatment is often used for open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, while laser peripheral iridotomy is commonly used for angle closure glaucoma, including primary angle closure glaucoma.

What are laser eye surgery for glaucoma risks?

Laser surgery for glaucoma is generally considered a safe procedure for many patients, but it is not 100% safe.

The potential risks of laser eye surgery may include:

• Temporary blurred vision
• Discomfort or pain
• Inflammation
• Icreased pressure inside the eye
• Reduced effect over time
• Need for additional treatment
• Infection or irritation
• Further vision loss where complications are not managed properly

For glaucoma patients, pressure spikes after laser surgery can be a risk factor because raised intraocular pressure may lead to further optic nerve damage. The risk can be higher if the person already has advanced glaucoma or reduced peripheral vision.

Can I have laser eye surgery if I have glaucoma?

Some people with glaucoma can have laser eye surgery, but suitability depends on the type of glaucoma, eye condition, cornea, drainage angle, medical history and current pressure levels. An eye doctor should assess whether laser treatment is appropriate and whether another treatment may be safer.

Laser eye surgery may be unsuitable where:

• The wrong type of glaucoma has been diagnosed
• The drainage angle is not suitable for the proposed treatment
• The person has active inflammation or infection
• The cornea affects accurate pressure readings
• Glaucoma is advanced and another procedure is required
• Previous cataract surgery or eye diseases affect risk
• The person has not been told about alternatives
• The expected benefit is limited

The surgeon’s duty of care includes assessing suitability before any surgical procedure takes place.

What is laser iridotomy?

Laser iridotomy is a treatment used for angle closure or narrow drainage angles. During laser iridotomy, the laser creates a small hole in the iris to allow fluid to move more freely and help reduce pressure. Laser peripheral iridotomy may be recommended to treat glaucoma or reduce the risk of developing glaucoma in selected cases.

Laser iridotomy is typically performed on an outpatient basis. Although many patients recover quickly, laser iridotomy still carries potential risks, including inflammation, temporary pressure rises, discomfort, glare and the need for a second operation if the opening is not effective.

What is selective laser trabeculoplasty?

Selective laser trabeculoplasty is a laser procedure used to treat open angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. It targets the eye’s drainage channel to help fluid leave the eye more effectively. 

Selective laser surgery may reduce intraocular pressure and help protect the optic nerve, but it may not work for everyone. Some people need repeat laser surgery, eye drops or other forms of surgery later.

What are the surgeon’s legal obligations?

Before laser eye surgery, the surgeon or treating clinician must provide clear advice about the procedure, alternatives and recognised complications.

Their legal obligations may include:

• Assessing whether laser treatment is suitable
• Explaining the purpose of the procedure
• Outlining the recognised risks and possible complications
• Discussing whether eye drops or further surgery may be needed
• Explaining reasonable alternative treatment options
• Giving clear aftercare advice
• Advising what symptoms should be reported after treatment
• Obtaining informed consent before the procedure goes ahead

Informed consent means the person should understand the purpose of laser surgery, the risks, the likely outcome and any reasonable alternatives before deciding whether to proceed.

When could laser eye surgery become negligent?

A complication does not automatically mean negligence. Laser eye surgery may become negligent where avoidable harm occurs because professional standards were not met.

Examples may include:

• Failure to assess whether the person was suitable
• Recommending the wrong laser procedure
• Failing to explain material risks
• Inadequate informed consent
• Poor technique during laser surgery
• Failure to monitor eye pressure afterwards
• Delayed response to complications
• Inadequate follow-up care

A doctor has a legal obligation to act with reasonable skill and care. This includes reviewing eye health, medical history, optic nerve condition, pressure readings and the risks of vision loss before recommending laser eye surgery.

What compensation may cover

Compensation may cover the physical, emotional and practical impact of negligent laser eye surgery where avoidable harm has occurred. The aim is to reflect how the injury has affected the person’s health, daily life and future needs.

This may include:

• Corrective treatment or further procedures
• Further ophthalmology care and specialist reviews
• Medication, eye drops and prescription costs
• Psychological support where the experience has affected wellbeing
• Loss of earnings or reduced ability to work
• Travel expenses for medical appointments
• Care and assistance provided by others
• Pain, discomfort and impact on daily life
• Long-term support where required

Every claim is assessed individually, based on the severity of the harm, the treatment needed and the wider impact on the person’s life.

How to claim compensation for negligent laser eye surgery

If you believe laser eye surgery has caused avoidable harm, seeking advice from a specialist solicitor can help you understand whether you may be entitled to claim compensation.

A specialist solicitor will usually begin by reviewing the treatment you received, the symptoms experienced and the aftercare provided. Medical records can then be obtained and assessed by independent medical experts to consider whether there was a breach of duty, such as poor suitability assessment, inadequate consent or failure to respond appropriately to complications.

It can help to keep clear evidence, including:

• Consent forms and clinic paperwork
• Photographs showing visible complications
• Dates of appointments, symptoms and follow-up care
• Correspondence with the surgeon, clinic or hospital
• Receipts for medication, travel or further treatment
• Details of any loss of earnings
• A journal recording pain, changes to vision, emotional impact and daily difficulties

Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors can help pursue the full compensation needed to reflect the physical, emotional and practical impact of the harm experienced, including future treatment needs, psychological support, loss of earnings and the wider effect on daily life.

Why choose Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors?

Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors is the first UK law firm dedicated exclusively to cosmetic surgery negligence. Led by Michael Saul, the firm has a knowledgeable team of skilled experts who understand the standards expected in cosmetic and aesthetic treatment claims.

We work with independent medical experts to assess claims carefully and clearly, including whether there was a breach of duty and whether avoidable harm occurred.

Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors operates on a no win, no fee basis and has secured over £10 million in compensation, with a 95% success rate after supportive medical evidence has been obtained. Our approach is clear, professional and focused on helping people understand their options with confidence.