---
title: "Retinal laser treatment | Eye Health Guide"
description: "How retinal laser treatment works, the conditions it treats such as retinal tears and diabetic retinopathy, the procedure, and recovery."
url: https://eyehealthguide.org/treatments/retinal-laser-treatment/
source: Eye Health Guide
licence: "General information only. Cite the URL and the named medical reviewer."
---

Treatment

# Retinal laser treatment

Medical reviewer [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/mohamed-mohyudin/)· Last recorded site review July 6, 2026

### About this review

This page inherits the site’s previous review record. A separate, current article sign-off has not yet been recorded.

[How review works](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/) · [Official biography & credentials](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/author/mohamed-mohyudin/)

Quick answer

Retinal laser treatment uses a focused laser beam to treat problems at the back of the eye. It can seal retinal tears before they detach, reduce abnormal blood vessel growth in diabetic eye disease, and treat swelling from retinal vein blockages. It is usually done in an outpatient clinic with numbing drops, and most people recover quickly.

### On this page ⌄

1. What it is
2. What it treats
3. What happens during treatment
4. Recovery and what to expect
5. Conditions this can help
6. Frequently asked questions

## What it is

Retinal laser treatment, sometimes called laser photocoagulation, uses a precise laser to create small burns on the retina or surrounding tissue. These burns seal leaks, destroy abnormal vessels, or create scar tissue that holds the retina in place. It is one of the most established treatments in ophthalmology.

## What it treats

Retinal laser is used for several back-of-eye conditions.

- Retinal tears, to seal them before a detachment develops
- Diabetic retinopathy, to shrink leaking or abnormal blood vessels
- Retinal vein occlusion, to reduce macular swelling in some cases
- Some peripheral retinal degenerations that carry a tear risk

## What happens during treatment

The procedure is usually done in an outpatient clinic. Numbing drops are placed in the eye and a contact lens helps focus the laser. You may see brief flashes of light and feel mild discomfort. Treatment can take from a few minutes to half an hour depending on how much laser is needed.

## Recovery and what to expect

Most people go home the same day. Vision may be slightly blurred for a day or two. You will usually continue any existing eye drops and attend follow-up checks. Laser for retinal tears is highly effective at preventing detachment. For diabetic disease, laser is often combined with injections and regular monitoring.

## Conditions this can help

## Frequently asked questions

### Is retinal laser treatment painful?

Numbing drops make the procedure tolerable for most people. You may feel brief stinging or pressure, and see flashes of light, but it is not usually painful.

### How effective is laser for a retinal tear?

Laser around a retinal tear creates scar tissue that welds the retina to the wall of the eye, greatly reducing the risk of detachment. It is a well-established and effective treatment when done promptly.

### Will I need more than one laser session?

Sometimes. Diabetic retinopathy or vein occlusion may need several sessions over weeks or months. Your ophthalmologist will plan treatment based on how your retina responds.

Your next step

## Take this to your appointment

Write down what has changed, when it started, your current medicines and the questions you want answered. Take these to your eye-care appointment.

Sudden loss of sight, severe eye pain or a dark curtain across vision needs immediate assessment. Do not wait to complete a worksheet.

## Sources for this information

These references support the information on this page. Follow the linked source for its full context.

- [Moorfields Eye Hospital - Laser retinopexy (PDF)](https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/mediaLocal/zj1pq40t/laser-retinopexy.pdf)