Modern medicine has made it possible to preserve vision by addressing retinal conditions that were once considered untreatable. Among these breakthrough treatments is laser therapy.
What Is Laser Therapy?
The word “laser” might conjure images of science fiction for some, but in ophthalmology, lasers are sophisticated medical tools. Laser, per letter, stands for “Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.” In simpler terms, a laser is a highly focused beam of light energy that people, or in this case an eye doctor, can control and direct.
In retinal care, specialists use lasers with specific wavelengths to treat various retinal conditions. Specific tissues absorb the laser light while surrounding structures remain untouched. This level of precision makes laser therapy particularly beneficial for the rest of the eye’s structures.
How Laser Therapy Works for Retinal Conditions
The American Academy of Ophthalmology describes the retina as the light-sensitive cells lining the back wall of each eye. It’s responsible for capturing visuals or images before sending them to the brain. When a retinal condition develops, laser therapy can:
- Seal leaking blood vessels: Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes. In such cases, abnormal vessels in the eye leak fluid or blood. Laser therapy can seal these leaks.
- Reduce abnormal blood vessel growth: Laser treatment for retinal care reduces the signals that cause abnormal blood vessels to grow and damage vision over time.
- Create beneficial scarring: Laser treatment for retinal tears and holes creates a scar that “welds” the retina to the underlying tissue to prevent retinal detachment.
- Target specific areas: For age-related macular degeneration, specific laser treatments can aim directly at abnormal vessels while sparing healthy tissue.
Laser Therapy for Retinal Problems: What’s Treatable?
At Arizona Retinal Specialists, we use laser therapy to treat the following:
Diabetic Retinopathy
For someone with diabetes, damaged blood vessels in the retina can lead to vision loss. Laser therapy, particularly a procedure called Panretinal Photocoagulation (PRP), can lower the risk of severe vision loss by 50%. PRP targets the peripheral retina and, by doing so, reduces oxygen demand and decreases the production of growth factors that promote abnormal blood vessel formation.
Retinal Tears and Detachment
When the retina develops a tear, fluid can seep underneath and lead to a sight-threatening emergency called retinal detachment. Laser therapy creates a barrier around tears, preventing fluid from spreading and “spot-welding” the retina in place.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
While most eye doctors use anti-VEGF injections to treat wet AMD, some forms of laser therapy may still help in specific cases. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is one example. PDT combines a light-activated medication with a low-power laser to manage some types of wet AMD.
Retinal Vein Occlusion
When veins carrying blood from the retina become blocked, resulting swelling and bleeding can damage vision. Laser therapy can help reduce swelling and prevent complications like abnormal blood vessel growth.
Central Serous Chorioretinopathy
This condition occurs when fluid accumulates under the retina and distorts vision. In persistent cases, some types of laser therapy, including PDT and subthreshold laser treatments, may help resolve the fluid buildup and restore normal retinal architecture.
What to Expect During a Laser Procedure
If your retina specialist in Sun City, Arizona, recommends laser therapy, you might wonder what the experience will be like. Most retinal laser procedures:
- Are done in the office under local anesthetic (eye drops)
- Take between 10-30 minutes, depending on the type of laser treatment
- Cause minimal discomfort (perhaps a mild stinging or pinching sensation)
- Allow you to return home the same day
- Require no incisions or stitches
Before your procedure, your doctor will dilate your eyes and apply numbing drops. You’ll sit at a specialized laser apparatus, similar to the equipment used during a routine eye exam. Using a special lens, your doctor will direct the laser to the treatment area.
Your vision may be blurry for a few hours due to the dilating drops. You’ll need someone to drive you home, and you might experience mild discomfort, though it should resolve within a day or two.
Advancements in Laser Technology
The field of ophthalmic laser therapy continues to evolve with exciting advancements:
- Pattern scanning lasers can deliver multiple spots in precise patterns, making treatments faster and more comfortable.
- Navigated laser systems integrate retinal imaging with laser delivery, enabling exceptional precision in targeting specific areas.
- Micropulse laser technology delivers laser energy in short pulses, potentially reducing thermal damage to surrounding tissues.
- Combination therapies that integrate laser treatment with medications like anti-VEGF injections often provide enhanced results for complex cases.
Modern retinal clinics, including Arizona Retinal Specialists, keep up with the latest technology to give patients the best treatment options.
Benefits of Laser Therapy for Your Eyes
When appropriate for your condition, laser therapy offers several advantages:
- Precision: Targets specific tissues while preserving surrounding structures
- Outpatient procedure: No hospitalization required
- Cost-effective: Often less expensive than surgical alternatives
- Low complication rate: Generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects
- Proven track record: Decades of research supporting its efficacy for many conditions
Working with Your Retina Specialist
Every patient’s situation is different. The decision to proceed with laser therapy should only come after a thorough discussion with a reputable retina specialist who prioritizes patient education and shared decision-making.
During your consultation, your eye doctor should explain the specific type of laser treatment for your condition, what results you might expect, and all alternatives. Don’t hesitate to express any concerns you might have.
Lessons to Keep in Mind
Laser therapy is one of the most advanced treatments for preserving vision in those with retinal conditions. By understanding how laser treatments work and what to expect, patients don’t have to feel helpless or anxious during their consultation or actual treatment.
For more information about laser therapy for retinal conditions, consider discussing this treatment option during your next appointment with your ophthalmologist. If you don’t have an eye doctor yet, Arizona Retinal Specialists in Sun City has the technology and dedicated team to preserve your vision. Call us at 623-474-3937 to schedule your appointment and give your eyes the care they deserve.
