Retinal Laser Treatment

What is Retinal Laser Treatment?

Laser treatment uses focused light, tuned to specific wavelengths, different intensities, and varying duration. The energy is focused on the retinal tissue with an extremely high level of precision and accuracy. Heat is generated by the light energy which produces a reaction at the desired location.

Are All Lasers the Same?

No, there are many different types of lasers used in Ophthalmology and for varying purposes.

Prof. Stanga has pioneered new laser technologies such as the Pascal® laser and treatment techniques specifically for use in retinal procedures. When needed, he will discuss which one would be best for you.

What Happens During the Treatment?

Once you arrive, a nurse will give you eye drops to dilate the pupil of the eye to be treated. The dilating drops may cause a slight blur to the vision which can last around 6 hours depending on the patient.

Prof. Stanga will re-discuss your treatment plan and will go through the consent form before it is signed by yourself. This is another opportunity to ask any further questions you may have following the previous consultation.

Anaesthetic drops will be put into your eye before treatment to numb the surface. Initially you may feel a stinging sensation lasting a few seconds before it subsides, this is normal. A contact lens will then be placed onto the front onto the front of your eye. This may feel abnormal but is not painful.

What Happens During Retinal Laser Treatment?

You may see: Flashing lights

You may hear: Clicking noises

You will need to listen carefully to Prof. Stanga’s instructions to look in different directions, so the laser can be focused on the area of the eye which needs to be treated.

There may be some occasions where you may experience discomfort due to small nerve exposures along the area of treatment zones, but this should subside after a few seconds.

Effect On Your Vision After the Laser Treatment

The vision may be hazy and blurred for the first 24 hours after treatment. When large areas of the peripheral retina are treated, your peripheral vision may be permanently reduced. This may affect your ability to drive and also meet DVLA Driving Standards. We ask you to not drive to the clinic on the day of treatment as you will not be able to drive home and to bring sunglasses to help with dazzling daylight. Prof Stanga will discuss with you the best treatment plan for you and the clinical reason for the decision, to preserve the vision that could be affected if laser is not applied to the retina.

If you subsequently develop macular oedema or diabetic maculopathy, Prof. Stanga may prescribe. Very rarely swelling with fluid also known as macula oedema can occur, thus blurring your vision. Therefore, Prof Stanga may prescribe anti-inflammatory drops or offer an intra-ocular injection.