Laser Applications:

The word LASER stands for "Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation". Laser is a high energy beam of light that can cut or burn tissue. There are many different types of lasers used to treat eye disease.

The general intent of laser surgery to the retina is to preserve your existing vision. The goal is to stop the progress of your eye disease. Do not expect it to improve your vision unless the doctor tells you it will.

At the doctor’s office you will have eye drops to enlarge your pupil and freeze the front surface of your eye. Some laser procedures require an injection of freezing to numb the entire eye. You will sit at the laser in a dimly lit room, with your head supported by a chin and forehead rest. The doctor will place a special contact lens on your eye to focus the laser beam accurately. There is no incision or cutting into the eye. The doctor directs the laser light through the dilated pupil to the retina. Try to remain calm and do not move or squeeze your eyelids. When the doctor "fires" the laser, you may see a flash of light and feel a sensation of warmth that can feel a bit uncomfortable. The laser treatment usually takes from 5 to 15 minutes. No special eye care is required afterward. An eye patch is not necessary unless you had an injection of freezing.

The doctor will need to see you again at some point following the laser to check your eye. More than one laser treatment is necessary in some cases to achieve the intended goal.

Laser treatment has been proven to be an effective method of reducing the risk of severe vision loss. There are, however, some potential side effects and complications. Peripheral laser treatment can cause swelling of the retina. This often results in blurring of vision which is usually temporary. Extensive treatment, necessary to treat certain eye diseases, can cause some peripheral vision loss and reduction in "night vision", however most people do not notice this. Every effort is made to keep visual loss at a minimum while controlling the disease process that is threatening your eyesight.