Retinal laser

Retinal laser is an advanced treatment method used to treat various retinal diseases. In this method, laser beams are focused on the retina. Retinal lasers are specially designed to pass through tissue other than the retina (the lens and cornea) without damaging them.

Retinal laser is used to treat a variety of conditions, including diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, macular degeneration, retinal detachment, and eye tumors. This treatment is typically performed in an eye clinic or office, and the area is numbed with eye drops before the laser is applied. Retinal laser treatment usually only takes a few minutes, and patients can go home immediately afterward and return to work and other daily activities the next day.

واحد بینایی سنجی و تجویز عینک و لنزهای تماسی

Are there different retinal laser methods?

Various retinal laser procedures are used to treat many retinal diseases. Some of these procedures include:

Pan Retinal Photocoagulation ( PRP ): This procedure is used to treat diabetic angiogenesis. In this procedure, a laser is used to destroy abnormal blood vessels and the factors that produce new blood vessels in a large area of ​​the retina. Laser photocoagulation is an older procedure that destroys new blood vessels and prevents blood and fluid leakage, allowing patients to recover.

Focal Grid: This type of laser is used to treat retinal edema. In patients with diabetic retinopathy, one of the most important causes of vision loss is swelling in the macula. This type of laser is performed on the parts of the retina that are swollen. The goal of photocoagulation is to prevent fluid from passing through the tear and retinal detachment. This treatment usually takes only a few minutes.

Photodynamic Therapy ( PDT ): In this method, a light-sensitive drug is injected into a vein in the hand. Once the drug has collected in the lesions (abnormal blood vessels) of the eye, anesthetic drops are poured into the eye and a special lens is placed on the eye to perform the PDT laser. With laser radiation, the drug collected in the affected areas, which are determined based on the imaging results, is activated. This action closes the problematic vessels and treats the retinal disease and prevents the disease from progressing. Photodynamic therapy is a new method that first injects a special drug into the patient's hand and then activates it with a non-thermal laser. This chemical reaction destroys the abnormal blood vessels and can be suitable for patients whose blood vessels are located near the center of the macula.

Each of these methods is prescribed by an ophthalmologist depending on the type of disease and the patient's condition.

Before and after actions

Care before laser capsulotomy

 Before laser treatment, the eyes are numbed and the pupils are fully opened using anesthetic and dilating drops. Vision is usually blurred for up to 2 hours afterward, so it is essential to be with the patient.

• The timing of laser capsulotomy depends on the degree of capsule opacification and the ophthalmologist's opinion.

• A person may see floating particles after laser capsulotomy, which will resolve after a while.

• As previously explained, laser capsulotomy is performed on an outpatient basis and only takes a few minutes. The intraocular lens is not damaged during the laser irradiation.

Laser capsulotomy aftercare

• Avoid driving.

• After retinal laser surgery, be sure to wear standard sunglasses when going outdoors, as the pupils of the eyes are dilated.

• If necessary, and with the prescription of an eye specialist, drops to reduce intraocular pressure and anti-inflammatory drops should be used. Usually, drops and medications containing antibiotics are not necessary after capsulotomy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does retinal laser require more than one session?

Depending on the doctor's opinion, for some people, more than one retinal laser session may be needed to control vision problems and prevent further damage to the person's vision.

Yes, patients usually see flashes of light during some stages of treatment.

There are no restrictions on daily activities. Be sure to consult your eye doctor if you are considering doing any specific exercises.