About Retinal lasers
Retinal lasers are advanced medical devices used in ophthalmology to treat various retinal conditions and diseases. These lasers emit highly focused beams of light that can precisely target specific areas of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye responsible for vision. Retinal laser treatment, also known as retinal photocoagulation, works by delivering controlled bursts of energy to the retina, inducing therapeutic effects to manage or alleviate retinal disorders.
There are several types of retinal lasers, each designed to address different retinal conditions:
Argon Laser: Argon lasers emit blue or green light and are commonly used to treat conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears, and retinal vein occlusion. The laser energy is absorbed by abnormal blood vessels in the retina, causing them to shrink or seal off, thus preventing bleeding and reducing the risk of vision loss.
Nd
Laser: Neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd
) lasers produce infrared light and are used for posterior capsulotomy, a procedure to treat posterior capsule opacification (PCO) or secondary cataracts that can develop after cataract surgery. The laser creates an opening in the cloudy capsule, restoring clear vision.
Diode Laser: Diode lasers emit infrared light and are utilized in the treatment of conditions such as retinal tears, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), and macular edema. They can target abnormal blood vessels and seal leaking vessels to reduce swelling and preserve vision.
Pulsed Dye Laser: Pulsed dye lasers emit yellow light and are primarily used in the treatment of retinal vascular disorders such as macular degeneration and central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). The laser energy selectively targets abnormal blood vessels, promoting their regression and improving retinal function.
Retinal laser treatment is typically performed in an outpatient setting and may require multiple sessions depending on the severity and nature of the retinal condition. The procedure is often performed under local anesthesia to minimize discomfort, and patients may experience temporary side effects such as blurred vision or sensitivity to light following treatment. However, these effects usually resolve within a few days.