Laser surgery for glaucoma

[londonbridge]

I am a 56 year old female recently diagnosed with Glaucoma.
I am exploring the option of laser surgery as a method of controlling eye pressure for open angle glaucoma.
Could you speak to the effectiveness, risks and benefits of this procedure. Does it only last for a while and can it cause cataracts? I have had two cataract surgeries in my left eye, one was an explant of a restor lens in January 2009.
My right eye has a small cataract and has not yet been operated on, I am wearing a distance contact in it.

[Houman Vosoghi, MD]

Does not cause cataracts as far as I am aware.  Successful in 50-70% of patients depending on who you ask.  Keeps the pressure lower for 1-2 years when it works in my experience.  Risks are small but should be discussed with your glaucoma specialist who should be able to supply you with a written handout in this regard.

HV

[londonbridge]

Thank you for your reply. If the laser works for 1-2 years can it then be repeated as needed?