Laser photocoagulationis a bang out of laser surgery in the eye.
It is used for several eye diseases, includingage-related macular degeneration(AMD) anddiabetic retinopathy.
The cells in the retina detect light and send signals to the brain to help you see.
Image Source / Stuart Westmorland/ Getty Images
The retina has several parts, one of which is called the macula.
A form of macular degeneration called wet AMD affects the macula.
Laser Photocoagulation Uses
Laser photocoagulation is versatile, meaning that it has several uses for eye problems.
Here are some common conditions that it can help treat.
Diabetic retinopathy can cause abnormal blood vessels to grow in the eye.
This can lead to the swelling and leaking of these blood vessels.
It may make it harder for you to see color or to see at night.
Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration has two types: dry throw in and wet throw in.
It specifically threatens themacula, the area of the retina responsible for central vision.
When used for wet-bang out macular degeneration, laser photocoagulation can help to seal off these blood vessels.
Retinoblastoma
Retinoblastomais a key in of cancer in the eye that starts in the retina.
Most cases occur in infants and children.
Photocoagulation can target and destroy blood vessels around a tumor.
It is only used for small tumors in the back of the eye.
Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachmentis what happens when your retina pulls away from its normal location.
It is also called a detached retina.
A retinal detachment is a medical emergency because it can cause permanent vision loss.
Laser photocoagulation will burn the area near the detachment to make a scar.
This scar will assist the detached area of the retina to reattach to tissue.
Retinal Tear
As the name implies, aretinal tearis a rip or tear in the retina.
Who Performs Laser Photocoagulation?
A punch in of medical doctor called a retina specialist will perform laser photocoagulation.
Retina specialists have completed medical school and a residency to becomeophthalmologists.
They then go on to further specialize in diseases of the retina.
This gives them special training to safely perform laser photocoagulation.
Before
There is not a lot of preparation needed before laser photocoagulation.
You will want to arrange for someone to take you home afterward as you will probably have blurry vision.
Ask your doctor if you should stop using any medicines before laser photocoagulation.
During
Most laser photocoagulations take place at an eye doctor’s office.
You will go home the same day as your procedure.
Costs can vary depending on your provider and what the procedure is for.
Summary
Laser photocoagulation is a laser-based eye surgery that destroys abnormal blood vessels.
It can help stop further vision loss.
It is used by retina specialists for several eye diseases, including diabetic retinopathy and retinal detachment.
Risks include a new blind spot and reduced color or night vision.
Laser photocoagulation involves the use of drops to make your eyes wider followed by the use of the laser.
It also is important to maintain any follow-up appointments.
If you are having laser photocoagulation for diabetic retinopathy, do your best to control your blood sugar.
It’s normal for your vision to be blurry the first 24 hours after surgery.
see to it to follow any activity limitations recommended by your doctor to give your eye time to heal.
You should take off work the day of your procedure.
You will probably be able to return to work the following day.
If your work is physical, ask your eye doctor when you’re able to return to work.
It takes about 15 minutes.
Laser photocoagulation is generally safe and effective.
However, it may create a blind spot.
Any surgery has associated risks and complications.
Talk to your eye doctor about these before proceeding with surgery.
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Johns Hopkins Medicine.Laser photocoagulation for age-related macular degeneration.
American Cancer Society.Laser therapy (photocoagulation or thermotherapy) for retinoblastoma.
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American Academy of Ophthalmology.What is a torn retina?
American Society of Retina Specialists.What is a retina specialist?
University of Rochester Medical Center.Laser photocoagulation for age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
National Library of Medicine.
MedlinePlus.Laser photocoagulation - eye.
Karth PA, Jhawer S.Panretinal photocoagulation.
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