Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) in West Georgia

Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) is an essential and highly effective laser procedure used to treat and prevent angle-closure glaucoma, a serious condition that can lead to sudden, irreversible vision loss. At Georgia Vision Institute, our glaucoma specialists use advanced laser technology to create a small opening in the iris, helping restore normal fluid drainage and reduce pressure within the eye. LPI is a fast, safe, and proven long-term solution for patients at risk of angle-closure and acute glaucoma attacks.

What Is Laser Peripheral Iridotomy?

Laser Peripheral Iridotomy is a minimally invasive glaucoma laser treatment that creates a tiny channel in the peripheral iris to allow fluid (aqueous humor) to flow freely between the front and back of the eye. This equalizes pressure, widens the drainage angle, and reduces the risk of angle-closure glaucoma.

LPI is commonly recommended for:

• Narrow angles
• Anatomical risk of angle closure
• Acute angle-closure attacks
• Plateau iris syndrome

As part of our comprehensive glaucoma treatment in West Georgia, LPI helps protect the optic nerve and preserve long-term vision.

Why LPI Is Important for Angle-Closure Glaucoma Prevention

Angle-closure glaucoma can develop suddenly when the drainage angle between the iris and cornea becomes blocked, causing eye pressure to rise rapidly. Without immediate treatment, this can lead to severe pain and permanent vision loss.

Laser Peripheral Iridotomy helps prevent this by:

• Creating an alternate pathway for fluid drainage
• Reducing pressure buildup behind the iris
• Opening the drainage angle to prevent sudden closure
• Lowering the risk of future angle-closure episodes

Because angle-closure glaucoma can be unpredictable, LPI is often recommended before symptoms appear for patients identified as high-risk during comprehensive eye exams.

What to Expect During a Laser Peripheral Iridotomy Procedure in West Georgia

LPI is performed in-office by our experienced glaucoma specialists in Carrollton, Villa Rica, Bremen, and Douglasville and typically takes only a few minutes. After numbing eye drops are applied and a special lens is used to guide the laser, a tiny opening is made in the iris with minimal discomfort.

Most patients treated with LPI experience:

• Quick recovery
• Little to no downtime
• Immediate pressure relief in acute cases
• Mild temporary light sensitivity or redness

Your doctor will monitor your intraocular pressure after the procedure and provide instructions for eye drops and follow-up visits.

Is Laser Peripheral Iridotomy Right for You?

You may benefit from LPI if you have:

• Narrow drainage angles
• A family history of angle-closure glaucoma
• Sudden symptoms such as eye pain, halos, or blurred vision
• Plateau iris configuration
• Previously elevated eye pressure or an acute angle-closure episode

Early intervention is crucial. LPI is one of the most effective ways to prevent acute angle-closure glaucoma and protect long-term vision.

Schedule an Evaluation in West Georgia

If you have been diagnosed with narrow angles or are concerned about your glaucoma risk, our team at Georgia Vision Institute can help. We provide advanced diagnostic imaging and personalized treatment plans—including LPI, SLT, eye drops, and MIGS procedures—to protect your optic nerve and support lifelong eye health.

Schedule an appointment at our Carrollton, Villa Rica, Bremen, or Douglasville locations to learn whether Laser Peripheral Iridotomy is the right treatment for you.