Global Search

Search articles, concepts, and chapters

Eye (Lond)March 20260 citations

The safety and effectiveness of optometrist delivered laser peripheral iridotomy.

Swystun Alexander Geoffrey, Burton David, Edwards Alison, Alaghband Pouya


AI Summary

Optometrist-performed LPI showed high success (93% patent iridotomies, low adverse events). This supports expanding optometrists' scope of practice for ophthalmic laser procedures, enhancing access to care safely and effectively.

Abstract

Background

Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) is a commonly performed procedure resulting in a reduction in the risk of progression to Acute Angle Closure and subsequent glaucoma. Whilst demand for LPI has varied over the previous 25 years, non-medical clinicians have been increasingly utilised in the delivery of ophthalmic laser procedures. There is, however, a paucity of safety and effectiveness of optometrist-performed LPI.

Method

This was a retrospective study. The success rate was determined by the presence of a patent LPI at the first appointment post-procedure. Adverse events were captured from electronic patient letters from the procedure until the first appointment post-procedure.

Results

Two optometrists performed LPI on 105 eyes. Presence of a patent iridotomy was documented in 93% and 89% for optometrist one and two, respectively (n = 95). Transient adverse events were reported in four patients. The remaining 10 eyes underwent a redo LPI.

Conclusion

Optometrists delivered a safe and effective LPI service with low rate of adverse events and high success rates.


MeSH Terms

HumansRetrospective StudiesMaleFemaleLaser TherapyIridectomyAgedIrisMiddle AgedGlaucoma, Angle-ClosureOptometristsAged, 80 and overIntraocular PressureTreatment OutcomeAdultLasers, Solid-StateOptometry

Key Concepts5

Optometrist one achieved a patent iridotomy in 93% of 105 eyes on which they performed laser peripheral iridotomy.

TreatmentCohortRetrospective Cohort Studyn=105 eyesCh13Ch38

Optometrist two achieved a patent iridotomy in 89% of 105 eyes on which they performed laser peripheral iridotomy.

TreatmentCohortRetrospective Cohort Studyn=105 eyesCh13Ch38

Transient adverse events were reported in 4 out of 105 patients who underwent optometrist-performed laser peripheral iridotomy.

TreatmentCohortRetrospective Cohort Studyn=105 eyesCh13Ch38

10 out of 105 eyes that underwent optometrist-performed laser peripheral iridotomy required a redo LPI.

TreatmentCohortRetrospective Cohort Studyn=105 eyesCh13Ch38

Two optometrists performed laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) on 105 eyes in a retrospective study to assess safety and effectiveness.

MethodologyCohortRetrospective Cohort Studyn=105 eyesCh13Ch38

Is this article assigned to the wrong chapter(s)? Let us know.