Non-Invasive Retinal Laser Procedure
Retinal laser therapy is a powerful way to treat retinal disease and prevent blindness. Using a low-energy, highly focused light ray, we fix tears, destroy abnormal blood vessels, and seal leaking capillaries, all while leaving the rest of your eye undisturbed.
What is retinal laser procedure?
A laser is concentrated, high-energy beams of light used to treat and manage a variety of retinal diseases and anterior segment conditions. These beams of light pass through the cornea and lens (non-retinal tissue) without damaging them, focusing very precisely on diseased tissue. Laser beams is a non-invasive surgical treatment. These types of lasers are different from those used in refractive surgery (such as LASIK or PRK).
I’ve been told I need a laser procedure, now what?
Laser procedure is non-invasive and is performed by your physician in the comfort of our office. Most laser procedures can be done the same day as your initial consultation.
How should I prepare for laser treatment?
- Because your eye(s) will be dilated, someone should accompany you to drive you home.
- Take your eye drops and all supplements and medications as usual.
- You can eat and drink as usual before treatment. No need to fast.
- Bring a dark pair of UV sunglasses to wear after your treatment.
What retinal diseases are treated with laser procedure?
Laser procedures treat retinal breaks such as holes or tears as well as retinal neovascularization secondary to diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, retinal artery occlusions, and other causes. It is important to know that retinal laser treats the condition, not the symptoms. Often patients remain symptomatic until the laser fully matures with gradual improvement in the following days and weeks.
How does laser procedure work?
The laser emits a beam of light that travels into the eye, entering through the pupil and creating tiny burns at the precisely targeted treatment site. This creates a scar that will seal a tear or perhaps shut down a bleeding or leaking retinal blood vessel. Each laser pulse duration is a fraction of a second. The laser light creates energy to be absorbed by the retina and converted into heat which helps to correct the underlying retinal disease.
What happens during laser treatment?
During this procedure you will be awake. To begin, your physician will typically administer medicated eye drops to dilate your pupils, allowing for a better view of the retina. Dilation typically takes 15-30 minutes.
Local anesthetic (numbing drops) may be placed in the eye to minimize discomfort during the procedure. If a microscope is used, specialized contact lenses will be placed on the eye to hold the eyelids open and magnify the areas indicated for treatment. If an indirect laser is used, you will be positioned so you're lying flat, in a reclined position. The laser will be focused on the retina to deliver the specific type of treatment required.
During the retinal laser procedure, you will see what looks like flashes of light, and may experience mild pinches and slight discomfort. Laser treatment is typically painless. Most patients’ find the bright lights are more uncomfortable than the actual energy from the laser. The length of the treatment varies, usually completed in under 30 minutes. Sometimes patients will feel slight pressure as the eye is pushed on to move it into a particular position. Please tell your doctor if you need a break during your treatment.