trabeculoplasty

Photocoagulation of the trabecular meshwork of the eye using the laser in the treatment of glaucoma.

- laser t. (LTP) an operation for glaucoma in which laser energy is applied to the trabecular meshwork.Investigations into laser treatments of open-angle glaucoma began in the early 1970s, but not until the late 1980s was LTP adopted as a standard treatment for the condition. In this procedure, a laser (usually argon) is used to create small openings in the trabecular meshwork at the ocular drainage angle, so as to improve the drainage of aqueous humor and relieve intraocular pressure. Laser iridotomy is sometimes performed at the same time. LTP lessens chances of postoperative infection and hemorrhage, and can be performed on an outpatient basis. This technique has achieved a 2-year success rate of over 70% (dropping to 59% after 5 years), but has been effective only in certain types of glaucoma (especially capsular and pigmentary glaucomas).

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tra·bec·u·lo·plas·ty trə-'bek-yə-lō-.plas-tē n, pl -ties plastic surgery of a trabecula specif laser surgery to create small openings in the trabecular meshwork of the eye from which the aqueous humor can drain to reduce intraocular pressure caused by open-angle glaucoma

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n.

a method used to selectively destroy parts of the trabecular meshwork (see trabeculectomy) and hence reduce intraocular pressure in the treatment of glaucoma. This may be achieved by means of a laser, as in argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT).

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tra·bec·u·lo·plas·ty (trə-bekґu-lo-plas″te) plastic surgery of a trabecula.