Several different types of lasers are used to treat and enlarge the normal fluid drainage channels of the eye, reducing the intraocular pressure. Argon or SLT lasers are also used in chronic glaucoma. Argon or YAG lasers will often be used to open a fluid channel directly in the iris to reduce pressure and avoid more extensive surgery. In the relatively rare instances of acute glaucoma, immediate treatment is required. Called macular degeneration, this condition prevents the patient from seeing objects straight ahead, leaving him or her with only peripheral vision. Lasers and Macular DegenerationĪs the body ages, weak blood vessels may leak and scar the central retina. Argon laser treatment can reduce their growth or cause them to regress, reducing the risk of visual loss. Also, diabetics may grow new blood vessels on the surface of the retina, which may bleed or cause scarring. The Argon laser is sometimes used to seal them closed. It is not uncommon for a diabetic to have blood vessels in the retina which begin to leak. In some people, the retina can tear and become partially detached from the back wall of the eye.Īlthough retinal detachment in advanced stages usually requires major surgery, using an Argon laser can fuse smaller tears in place and help prevent further detachment. The retina is at the back of the eye, virtually inaccessible to conventional surgery. If holes or tears in the retina are found before the retina detaches, the eye doctor can close the holes using a laser. This is a very common cause of visual reduction after cataract surgery, occuring in 30-50% of patients within one year of cataract surgery. Description Most retinal detachment repair operations are urgent. Lasers and CataractsĪ YAG laser is often used to open a clouded capsule after cataract surgery. Lasers eliminate the need to make a physical incision in the eye the incidence of infection and other complications after surgery is greatly reduced.

The laser has replaced conventional surgical techniques for many procedures because laser surgery can often be performed with little or no pain, without anesthesia or hospitalization, and at a lower cost. The laser beam can be focused on a spot as small as one-millionth of a meter, the power controlled to one-thousandth of a watt, and the exposure time set to one-billionth of a second.

Partially torn retina