Laser retinopexy

Focused laser used to weld a retinal tear shut before it can progress to a detachment — or to calm the diabetic retina — as a quick, drop-anaesthetic outpatient procedure.

A laser makes tiny, controlled burns in the retina. Around a tear, these burns act like spot-welds: as they heal they scar the retina firmly to the wall of the eye, walling the tear off so fluid cannot get behind it (retinopexy).

In diabetic eye disease, a scatter pattern of laser (panretinal photocoagulation) treats areas of poor blood supply and shrinks abnormal, fragile vessels. It is done in clinic, through a contact lens on the eye, with no incision.

Who it is for

People with a retinal tear or a small, early detachment that laser can wall off; and people with proliferative diabetic retinopathy or certain vein-occlusion complications. Catching a tear early is exactly when laser is most useful, because it can prevent a detachment altogether.

Extreme macro photograph of a human eye and iris. — **Fig. 1** · The eye — macro

What to expect

Before, during, and after.

Before

Dilating drops and a lens

Dilating drops widen the pupil and the eye is numbed with drops. A contact lens is then placed on the eye to focus the laser onto the retina.

During

Bright flashes, a few minutes

You see bright flashes and may feel a small stinging with each pulse. There is no incision, and it is usually over in minutes.

After

Blur that clears the same day

Vision is blurred from the drops for a few hours and the eye may ache mildly. Most people return to normal quickly, though extensive laser can slightly reduce peripheral or night vision.

Risks, stated plainly

Laser is one of the gentler treatments in the retina, but it is not without effects worth understanding:

Temporary blur and discomfort. The eye is often blurred and mildly achey for a few hours after treatment.
Some loss of peripheral or night vision with extensive treatment, and, occasionally, a small effect on central vision.
The tear may not be fully sealed, and repeat laser or surgery is sometimes needed.
Rarely, bleeding or an accidental burn to the central retina.

Your individual risks depend on your eye and the reason for treatment, and are discussed honestly before you decide.

Related conditions

Consultation

Talk it through with Dr. Diafas.

Whether laser retinopexy is right for you is a decision made together, after your scans and symptoms are reviewed.

Refer a patient

This page provides general information only and is not a substitute for an individual consultation. If you are worried about your vision, seek medical advice.