Treatment
Retinal laser treatment
Medical reviewer Mr Mohamed Mohyudin· Last recorded site review
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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.
Sources for this information
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