Laser Trabeculoplasty for Glaucoma: What the 10-Minute Office Laser Does and What to Expect Afterward

Many of my glaucoma patients are tired of drops: the sting, the red eyes, the alarms on their phones, the cost of refills. When they ask whether there is another option, laser trabeculoplasty is often part of the conversation. It is quick, done in the office, and for many people it lowers eye pressure well.

What it treats

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) explains that laser trabeculoplasty treats open-angle glaucoma. In glaucoma, the fluid inside the front of the eye does not drain properly, pressure builds, and over time the optic nerve is damaged. Trabeculoplasty uses laser energy on the eye’s drainage angle so it works better, helping lower pressure. It cannot reverse damage already done, but it can help prevent more.

What the procedure is like

• It is done in an outpatient surgery center or the ophthalmologist’s office and usually takes less than 10 minutes.
• Your eye is numbed with drops, and a special contact lens is placed on the eye to guide the laser.
• You may feel a stinging sensation during treatment.
• Vision may be blurry for a couple of hours, so plan for someone to drive you home.
• You may be prescribed medicine for a few days afterward.

How long it takes to work

According to the AAO, it can take about 6 to 8 weeks for the laser to fully lower your pressure. If the pressure is still too high three months later, your ophthalmologist may recommend repeat laser, more drops or another type of surgery.

Risks

Complications are uncommon. The AAO lists the possibility that pressure does not drop enough, a temporary pressure rise, a red, swollen or painful eye, blurry vision, laser damage to other parts of the eye, and the need to repeat treatment. Pressure is usually checked after treatment for this reason.

Is it right for you?

Trabeculoplasty is used both as a first treatment and alongside drops. It is not for every type of glaucoma, and some people still need drops afterward. Your ophthalmologist will weigh the type of glaucoma, your pressure target and how your optic nerve looks. Keep using your drops until your doctor tells you otherwise.

People with thin or irregular corneas may have special considerations in eye pressure testing; this keratoconus education blog explains that condition.

For many patients, ten minutes in the laser room means fewer bottles on the nightstand. It is worth asking about.

Source: Laser Trabeculoplasty (American Academy of Ophthalmology, 1/6/2026). This article is an educational summary written by Khanna Vision Institute and is not a substitute for medical advice.