side effects of iridotomy

My dad was recently informed that his glaucoma was progressing and that "laser iridotomy" would be necessary to relieve the pressure.  (He has been using the prescription eye drops for over a year with no noticeable improvement) Has anyone had experience with this procedure?  After researching it online, I feel apprehensive because of the listed possible side effects.  Any information would be greatly appreciated.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

1. It is very important to get your terms correct. If indeed a last iridotomy (putting a hole in the iris) was recommended then you father has angle closure glaucoma or mixed mechanism glaucoma (part open angle and part angle closure). Angle closure is NOT treated with medications its treated with putting a hole in the peripheral iris. It's not a difficult procedure, not an expensive procedure, not a painful procedure and normal activities are resumed.
2. If you are mixed up and a laster trabeculoplasty is what is recommended then it means he has open angle glaucoma and drops are not working, or that more drops are needed or that the use of drops has been inconsistent.

Neither one of these procedures are high risk. The glaucoma is far and away the biggest risk.

JCH MD