YAG peripheral iridotomy for narrow-angle glaucoma

YAG peripheral iridotomy is a 2–5 minute laser procedure that makes a microscopic hole in the outer edge of the iris, letting fluid flow freely and opening the eye's drainage angle. It treats and prevents angle-closure (narrow-angle) glaucoma. It is done in the clinic under anaesthetic eye drops — no needles or incisions — and you go home straight afterwards. In the UK in 2026, private self-pay costs from £450 per eye, or from £800 for both eyes, all-inclusive. Because narrow angles usually affect both eyes, treatment is often advised for each.

What is narrow-angle (angle-closure) glaucoma?

In a healthy eye, fluid drains through the angle where the iris meets the cornea. In some eyes this angle is naturally narrow, and the iris can bow forward and block it. When drainage is blocked, eye pressure rises — sometimes slowly, sometimes suddenly in an acute attack that is a medical emergency.

A peripheral iridotomy creates an alternative channel: the small laser opening lets fluid pass directly from behind the iris to the front of the eye, equalising the pressure and pulling the iris away from the drainage angle. It is the standard treatment to relieve and, importantly, to prevent angle closure in eyes found to be at risk. Learn more about glaucoma and the full range of glaucoma treatments.

Signs your angles may be narrow

• Intermittent eye or brow ache, especially in dim light or when tired
• Haloes around lights that come and go
• Blurred vision in episodes
• A sudden, severe red, painful eye with nausea — a possible acute attack needing urgent care
• Often no symptoms at all — narrow angles are frequently picked up at a routine eye test

Pricing options

Treatment is priced per eye and is all-inclusive of the assessment, the laser and your follow-up. Because the condition is usually bilateral, both eyes are often treated — either together or a short time apart.

If pressure stays high after iridotomy, or there is co-existing open-angle disease, your consultant may discuss SLT laser, drops, or MIGS surgery as a next step.

What happens during the laser

The procedure is carried out at a slit-lamp microscope, the same instrument used for a routine eye examination, while you sit comfortably. It is quick and well tolerated.

1. Drops are given to constrict the pupil (which stretches the peripheral iris) and to numb the eye.
2. A special contact lens is gently rested on the eye to focus the laser.
3. The YAG laser delivers a few rapid pulses to make a tiny opening at the edge of the iris — you may see flashes of light and feel a small pinch.
4. A pressure-lowering drop is given to prevent a spike, and your eye pressure is rechecked after about an hour.
5. You go home the same day with anti-inflammatory drops for a few days.

Recovery

Recovery is fast. Most people are back to normal activities by the next day. Here is what to expect:

Complications are uncommon. A short-lived pressure rise or mild inflammation is the most frequent, and a small number of patients notice a faint line of light or glare that usually fades. Rarely, a second laser is needed to enlarge the opening.

YAG peripheral iridotomy cost

Our pricing is all-inclusive — the consultant assessment, gonioscopy, the laser itself, your post-laser pressure check and follow-up. There are no hidden extras.

• Single eye: from £450, all-inclusive
• Both eyes: from £800, all-inclusive
• Insurance: recognised by Bupa, AXA, Aviva and others — we handle authorisation
• Access: usually within one to two weeks, with no GP referral needed

For other laser and surgical prices see our glaucoma price guide, glaucoma surgery costs, or the related YAG laser capsulotomy for cloudy vision after cataract surgery.

Frequently asked questions