Laser, which stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation, has been used for over 30 years to treat retinal problems. While lasers are used effectively to treat diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears and detachments, macular degeneration and vein occlusions, they can also cause complications, like any procedure. Laser surgery is often done in the physician's office as an outpatient procedure but may also be done in the OR in conjunction with other procedures, such as vitrectomy. Laser uses high intensity light pinpointed at specific spots on the retina.
Vision Changes
Patients who have pan retinal photocoagulation (PRP) laser done for diabetic retinopathy may have blurred vision that can last for some time and could even be permanent. PRP laser surgery can also cause night vision loss and may also cause peripheral vision loss. Halos or rings around objects may also be present after laser surgery. Blind spots may be noticed where the laser was done; these are within the peripheral vision, not the central part of vision.
If laser surgery was done for retinal tears or detachment the eye may be red and swollen, according to the Swedish Medical Center. Retinal tears and detachment can recur after surgery. If the laser beam is inadvertently aimed at a healthy part of the retina a scar will form and vision in this area will be lost. This is very unlikely to happen. If laser is used too close to the central part of vision, the macula, central vision could be lost.
Eye Changes
Changes can occur within the eye after laser surgery. In some cases, the pupil may be dilated; this may subside gradually over a few months or could occasionally be permanent. Laser surgery may raise the intraocular pressure within the eye due to swelling. Pain in the eye can be a sign of high pressure. Some patients develop small vitreous hemorrhages after laser treatment. Keeping the head elevated, even at night, allows these to resolve more quickly, according to James Landers, M.D., retinal specialist.
If laser surgery was done for retinal tears or detachment, the eye may be red, swollen and red, according to the Swedish Medical Center. Retinal tears and detachment can recur after surgery done to treat them.
Pain
Most of the time, laser treatment is painless. But if pan retinal photocoagulation is being done for proliferative diabetic retinopathy, which requires multiple bursts of laser, the procedure can be painful. A numbing injection can be given if the procedure is too painful to continue.
Cold Laser Complications
A cold laser treatment called Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is sometimes used to treat macular degeneration. While cold laser doesn't have the risks of burning the retina, PDT has occasionally caused retinal detachment.
Member Comments