Laser eye surgery can be considered in some people with stable glaucoma, but it is not suitable for everyone and needs joint planning with a glaucoma specialist.
When it may be considered
In carefully selected cases, refractive laser can reduce dependence on glasses without worsening well-controlled glaucoma.
- Stable eye pressure and visual fields over time
- No advanced optic nerve damage or very thin nerve fibre layers
- Glaucoma medications and past laser or surgery clearly documented
- Awareness that future pressure checks are more complex after LASIK due to thinner corneas
- Preference for surface procedures such as PRK in some higher-risk eyes
When glaucoma makes laser unsuitable
In more fragile optic nerves, preserving safety and monitoring often outweighs the benefits of spectacle freedom.
- Advanced field loss or “end‑stage” glaucoma
- Poorly controlled pressures or frequent medication changes
- Need for thick, reliable corneas for accurate tonometry readings
- Planned or recent glaucoma surgery where corneal laser could complicate care
- Recommendation to continue glasses or consider lens-based options instead
