Retinal Laser

What is a Retinal Laser?

Retinal laser refers to a medical procedure that uses laser technology to treat various retinal conditions. The retina is the light-sensitive layer of tissue located at the back of the eye, and it plays a crucial role in vision. Retinal laser therapy involves directing a focused beam of laser light onto the retina to achieve specific therapeutic effects.

Who is Suitable for Retinal Laser?

Suitability for retinal laser treatment depends on the specific retinal condition and its severity. Some conditions that might be suitable for retinal laser treatment include:

Diabetic Retinopathy: Laser treatment can be effective for sealing leaking blood vessels and reducing the growth of abnormal blood vessels associated with diabetic retinopathy.
Retinal Tears and Detachments: Laser treatment can seal retinal tears and prevent retinal detachment by creating scar tissue that adheres to the retina to the underlying tissue.
Macular Oedema: Laser treatment can help reduce fluid accumulation in the macula (central part of the retina) in conditions like diabetic macular oedema.
Retinal Blood Vessel Diseases: Laser treatment can target abnormal blood vessels in conditions such as retinal vein occlusion and neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Types of Retinal Laser

Laser Photocoagulation involves using the laser to create controlled burns on the retina to treat conditions like diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears, and abnormal blood vessel growth.
Panretinal Photocoagulation (PRP): A specific type of laser photocoagulation used to treat conditions like proliferative diabetic retinopathy and retinal vein occlusion.
Focal Laser Treatment: Target specific areas of the retina, such as leaking blood vessels in conditions like diabetic macular oedema.

Retinal Laser Procedure

Preparation: You'll be positioned comfortably, and the eye to be treated will be numbed using local anaesthesia eye drops.
Laser Procedure: You will be asked to focus on a target light while the doctor uses a special contact lens or microscope to guide the laser to the targeted areas of the retina.
Laser Application: The doctor will apply the laser in short bursts of light, creating controlled burns or spots on the retina. You might experience some flashes of light during the procedure.
Duration: The procedure can typically take 15 minutes, depending on the extent of the treatment.