Laser Eye Procedures Specialist
Westminster Eye Center
Ophthalmologist & Glaucoma Specialist located in Westminster, CA
State-of-the-art laser eye procedures like laser posterior capsulotomy and selective laser trabeculoplasty are often the best minimally invasive way to restore eye health and normal vision. At Westminster Eye Center in Westminster, California, experienced ophthalmology specialist Christine Nguyen, MD, performs laser eye procedures on an outpatient basis, giving you excellent results and minimal recovery time. Call the office or book an appointment online now.
Laser Eye Procedures Q & A
What is laser posterior capsulotomy?
Laser posterior capsulotomy is a laser surgery some men and women need after cataract surgery. When you have cataract surgery, Dr. Nguyen removes your eye lens and replaces it with an artificial lens (an intraocular lens or IOL).
Your eye's natural lens capsule retains the new lens securely so you can enjoy clear vision. But, in some cases, your lens capsule can wrinkle or grow cloudy, causing fuzzy vision. This condition is called posterior capsule opacification, or a secondary cataract. It could take anywhere from weeks to years to develop a secondary cataract, and you might never develop this problem at all.
If you have a secondary cataract, the best solution is a laser treatment called posterior capsulotomy. In this procedure, Dr. Nguyen uses a high-tech laser to create a small hole in the capsule. This restores your clear vision by allowing light to enter your eye again.
What kind of laser eye procedures treat glaucoma?
There are a variety of laser procedures that can relieve glaucoma symptoms, including:
Selective laser trabeculoplasty
In selective laser trabeculoplasty, Dr. Nguyen uses a low-level laser to treat selected parts of your eye's drainage network, the trabecular meshwork. This treatment is for open-angle glaucoma.
Argon laser trabeculoplasty
In argon laser trabeculoplasty, Dr. Nguyen uses a laser beam to open about half of your eye's fluid channels. This improves trabecular meshwork function. This treatment is for open-angle glaucoma.
Laser peripheral iridotomy
In this procedure, Dr. Nguyen uses the laser to create a tiny hole in your iris. This helps it recede from the fluid channel and improves drainage. Laser peripheral iridotomy treats angle-closure glaucoma.
Laser cyclophotocoagulation
In this laser treatment, Dr. Nguyen makes changes to the ciliary body that reduce fluid production. This, in turn, reduces your inner-eye pressure. Laser cyclophotocoagulation treats open-angle glaucoma.
Although laser procedures aren’t right for all cases of glaucoma, they’re often a very effective solution that allows you to prevent or at least delay surgery.
How long does it take to recover from laser eye procedures?
Usually, recovery is swift. Most people resume their regular daily routine the day after the laser procedure.
Westminster Eye Center is proud to offer the most advanced laser eye procedures, performed by a leading fellowship-trained ophthalmologist. Call the office or use the online appointment maker now.