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Lasers

Lasers Retina surgery

Lasers

Lasers are used in a throng of conditions for the retina. Retinal photocoagulation is the mechanism of action for a retinal laser treatment. In this marvel, light energy is converted to heat at the level of the retina, leading to protein denaturation during the retina laser surgery.

Indications

LASIK indicates the correction of low, moderate, and high myopia with and without astigmatism. The specific dioptric limits depend on the particular laser system and the regulatory agency of each country.

  • Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: PDR is an advanced stage of diabetic eye disease. It occurs when the retina starts developing new blood vessels within itself. This is also called neovascularization.
  • Diabetic Macular Edema: DME is the accumulation of extra fluid in the extracellular space within the retina in the macular area, generally in the subretinal space, inner nuclear, Henle's fiber layer, and outer plexiform.
  • Vascular Occlusion: A vascular occlusion occurs when blood can no longer pass through a blood vessel.
  • Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is a retina disease characterized by serous detachment of the neurosensory retina secondary to one or more focal lesions of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE).
  • Retinal Breaks: detachment is an emergency. Tissue at the rear end or the back of the eye pulls away from a layer of blood vessels that provide necessary nourishment and oxygen. It may happen in the retinal periphery. The retina is sometimes torn away by the vitreous gel because of pulling.

Mechanism of Action

Retinal disease is primarily treated using a retina laser. The light energy is absorbed by particular tissue at the back of the eye and transformed to heat with this laser. The heat causes a tiny area of damage to the retina. As the eye heals from this small area of damage, the scar helps to correct the underlying retinal disease. Retina laser is used to seal retinal tears, close leaking blood vessels, or break down abnormal tissue or blood vessels.

  • Direct action on the vessels
  • Closure and reduced leakage
  • Scarring + Burns of the layers of the retina
  • Reduced oxygen demanded
  • Increased oxygenation of the inner retina
  • Photocoagulation
  • Retinal cell activation
  • Cytokine production
  • Reduction of vascular growth factor + Edema

Types of Lasers

  • Green (Argon) laser
  • Yellow laser:
    Sealing the leaky blood vessels
  • Photodynamic laser:
    Using a drug (Visudyne) + Red laser. This is used to seal abnormal and leaking retinal vessels.
  • Yag Laser:
    This type of laser is used to create a opening of the membrane that is frequently formed on the implanted intraocular lens.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Laser treatment is commonly used for retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, retinal tears, vascular occlusion, and central serous chorioretinopathy. Different laser technologies may also be used for LASIK and cataract procedures.

Most laser eye treatments are minimally painful and are performed under local anaesthesia or with numbing eye drops. Patients may feel slight discomfort or pressure during the procedure, but recovery is generally quick.

Recovery time depends on the type of laser procedure performed. Many patients notice vision improvement within a few days, while complete healing may take a few weeks. Doctors usually advise avoiding eye rubbing, dust exposure, and strenuous activities during recovery.

Yes, modern laser eye treatments are considered safe and highly precise when performed by experienced eye specialists. Advanced technologies such as femtosecond and excimer lasers improve surgical accuracy, reduce complications, and support faster recovery.