What is Retina Laser?
Retinal laser therapy, also known as focal laser photocoagulation, it is an outpatient procedure that treats macular edema and small breaks in the retina. These conditions affect the retina and threaten vision.
How is Retina Laser done?
It is an outpatient procedure and does not need hospital admission. It is done under topical anesthesia by instillation of eye drops. It can be done in sitting or in lying down position. Mild pricking sensation may be experienced by some patients during the procedure. Depending on the area lasered it usually takes anywhere from 5-20 minutes.
What are the do’s and don’ts after the procedure
All routine activities like travelling, taking bath, computer work can be carried out even same day after procedure. So, in short other than avoiding heavy weightlifting for a few days, there are no precautions after retinal Laser treatment.
Can Retina Laser cause any side effects and complications?
Slight eye pain and headache may be experienced by few patients. As such there are no sight threatening complication after LASER. After focal retina LASER may experience scotoma in visual field for a few days after which it slowly resolves.
All in all, Retinal laser is absolutely safe procedure, it is an OPD procedure and does not require any hospital admission. However, one should get it done by the expert hands of the Retina specialist whenever advised.