Our Summary

The use of lasers for biological and medical purposes was a significant advancement in the 20th century. These lasers have been especially useful in treating a variety of retinal diseases, including issues related to capillary leakage in the macula, which is a part of the eye vital for sharp, central vision.

However, the use of lasers that use “photocoagulation” (a process of using light to clot or seal off bleeding or leaking blood vessels) for treating macular edema (a build-up of fluid in the macula that can distort vision) has become less common. Despite this, there is evidence that these lasers can still play a modified role in treating these conditions, particularly when the leakage is outside the central area of the macula.

Moreover, these lasers can help reduce the number of required eye injections and assist in stabilizing vision when used alongside other treatments. But, since photocoagulative lasers can damage tissue, there’s been a push to develop safer lasers for use in the macula and to find new ways to use them therapeutically. This includes treating drusen (small yellow deposits that form under the retina and are a common early sign of age-related macular degeneration) and helping to regenerate unhealthy retinal pigment epithelium (a layer of cells that nourish the retina).

FAQs

  1. What are some of the therapeutic applications of lasers in treating retinal disease?
  2. How has the role of photocoagulative laser in the treatment of macular oedema changed over time?
  3. What are some new developments in the use of lasers for retinal treatment?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about retinal surgery is to follow all post-operative instructions carefully, including taking any prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, and avoiding activities that could put strain on the eyes. It is important to give the eyes time to heal properly in order to achieve the best possible outcome from the surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for retinal surgery include those with conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, retinal detachment, and other retinal diseases that may benefit from laser therapy. Patients with macular oedema, particularly those with extrafoveal leakage, may also be candidates for retinal surgery using photocoagulative lasers. Additionally, patients who may benefit from reduced frequency of intravitreal injections or visual stabilization may also be recommended for retinal surgery. It is important for patients to consult with their ophthalmologist to determine if retinal surgery is the best treatment option for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before retinal surgery:

  • Patient consults with an ophthalmologist and undergoes a thorough eye examination to determine the need for retinal surgery.
  • Pre-operative testing such as imaging scans and blood tests may be done to assess the condition of the retina and overall health.
  • Patient may be advised to stop taking certain medications or adjust their diet prior to surgery.
  • Patient receives instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, including fasting before the procedure.

After retinal surgery:

  • Patient may experience some discomfort or blurry vision immediately after the surgery.
  • Patient is typically advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities for a period of time following the surgery.
  • Patient may need to use eye drops or other medications to prevent infection and promote healing.
  • Follow-up appointments with the ophthalmologist are scheduled to monitor the progress of healing and assess the success of the surgery.
  • Patient may be advised on post-operative care, such as avoiding rubbing the eyes and protecting them from bright light.
  • Patient may gradually experience improvements in vision over time as the retina heals and stabilizes.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific type of retinal surgery do I need and why?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. What is the success rate of this surgery for my specific condition?
  4. What is the recovery process like and how long will it take?
  5. Will I need any additional treatments or follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider?
  7. How experienced are you in performing this type of surgery?
  8. Can you provide me with information about your past success rates with this procedure?
  9. What can I expect in terms of visual improvement after the surgery?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after the surgery to protect my eyes?

Reference

Authors: Chehade L, Chidlow G, Wood J, Casson RJ. Journal: Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2016 Nov;44(8):714-721. doi: 10.1111/ceo.12754. Epub 2016 May 2. PMID: 27059681