Retinal laser treatment

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.