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What is laser photocoagulation of the retina
Laser coagulation of the retina is one of the most modern and popular methods of treatment and strengthening of the retina. The method is a point effect of a laser along the edges of damaged areas and microtears of the retina, while under the influence of high temperature the tissues are heated, the protein breaks down, and coagulants are formed – the so-called “gluing points”. Thus, the tissues of the retina are strengthened and fastened together, its blood supply and nutrition are improved. Depending on the degree of damage to the retina, the laser affects a specific area or the entire area of the retina (except for the center), while in the second case, the procedure is carried out in several stages.
Laser coagulation of the retina has several undeniable advantages:
- the procedure is carried out by a non-contact method,
- bloodlessness of the procedure, since the eyeball is not opened,
- performed under local anesthesia, not general anesthesia,
- the procedure does not require hospitalization, takes a little time and does not require a long rehabilitation period. The next day the patient can return to his usual way of life.
Who needs laser photocoagulation of the retina
Laser coagulation of the retina is prescribed for patients with the following pathologies of vision: with peripheral dystrophies – with its dangerous forms (“lattice” dystrophy, “cochlear trace”, any retinal breaks with or without local retinal detachment, vitreoretinal traction), with retinal ruptures, with local detachments, which can be limited by laser coagulation. But with cataracts, thorns or clouding of the vitreous body or lens, the procedure is not performed, since the violation of the transparency of the optical media of the eye greatly interferes with the doctor during the operation.
Laser coagulation of the retina should be carried out not only with the slightest foci of its detachment, but also with areas of its thinning, with dangerous types of peripheral retinal dystrophies that can lead to retinal ruptures. Fluid begins to enter this gap, causing retinal detachment.
How is laser photocoagulation of the retina performed?
Diagnosis before surgery
Before carrying out laser coagulation of the retina, the doctor prescribes a number of examinations – measures intraocular pressure, checks vision, examines the fundus, and ultrasound and OCT (optical coherence tomography) are also prescribed. If the patient has any concomitant diseases, additional tests are prescribed.
Course of operation
Laser coagulation of the retina does not require hospitalization and general anesthesia. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and under local anesthesia. First, a local anesthetic is instilled into the patient’s eye, which also dilates the pupil. Then the doctor waits for about 10-15 minutes and proceeds to the procedure – the patient brings his face close to the device and focuses his eyes at a certain point. The doctor first adjusts the laser device, after which he proceeds directly to the procedure – soldering retinal breaks with a laser. In this case, the patient himself must sit absolutely still, without sudden movements and look strictly at one point. If you shift your gaze, the laser can catch on other parts of the eye.
The doctor controls all stages of the operation on a special screen. During laser coagulation, the patient may experience mild discomfort, sometimes there are bright flashes of light, but usually no pain occurs. The procedure itself lasts approximately 30 minutes, after which the doctor evaluates the result of laser coagulation, and the patient can go home.
Postoperative period
Usually, after laser coagulation of the retina, the patient can return to his usual way of life the very next day. But it is better in the early days to exclude long work at the computer, spend less time on the phone or TV, exclude physical activity, sports, visits to the bath or sauna, beaches and pools, as well as intense visual work. Also in the first couple of days it is better to avoid wearing glasses and contact lenses.
Popular questions and answers
Popular questions regarding this procedure, we asked ophthalmologist Natalia Voroshilova.