Laser retinopexy is a crucial procedure that effectively treats retinal tears, helping to prevent further detachment and preserve your vision. Our skilled eye doctors ensure a safe, comfortable experience.
Laser retinopexy is a specialized laser procedure that creates tiny burns around a retinal tear, forming scar tissue to secure the retina and help prevent further detachment. This treatment is essential because it stabilizes a weak area before fluid can seep in and cause the retina to detach further. Our eye doctors use this technique in a comfortable outpatient setting, offering a safe and effective solution for many patients.
Laser retinopexy is a procedure where a thermal laser is used to form a barrier of scar tissue around a retinal tear. This barrier acts like a weld, sealing the edges of the tear so that fluid cannot get underneath the retina and lead to a more serious detachment. When performed promptly, laser retinopexy helps to stabilize the retina and may eliminate the need for more invasive surgeries such as pneumatic retinopexy, vitrectomy, or scleral buckling.
The retina is a light-sensitive tissue essential for clear vision, and even a small tear can lead to significant vision problems if not treated in time. The primary goal of laser retinopexy is to prevent the gentle progression of retinal detachment, which could otherwise compromise your ability to see clearly or safely perform everyday activities. By using laser energy to bond the retina to underlying tissues, this procedure plays a critical role in preserving long-term vision and reducing the need for more invasive surgical interventions.
Contact us now to find a top optometrist or ophthalmologist near you who can guide you through the laser retinopexy process.
The procedure is based on the principle of using a precise laser to create small, localized burns on the retinal surface. These burns develop into firm scars that act much like tiny stitches, holding the retina in place. Essentially, the technique reinforces the retinal tissue just around the tear, preventing movement and further separation that could allow vitreous fluid to accumulate.
Before undergoing laser retinopexy, you will have drops placed in your eye to dilate the pupil, which can lead to temporary blurring of vision. In addition, anesthetic drops are used to ensure your comfort during the procedure. Depending on the location of your retinal tear, our eye doctors might choose one of two methods to deliver the laser treatment:
In this approach, you will be asked to sit upright at a specialized laser machine. A contact lens is gently placed on the surface of your eye after applying anesthetic drops. This contact lens is used to focus the laser beam precisely onto the retinal tear while you remain still. You will notice a series of bright flashes as the laser makes the tiny burns that form the scar tissue. Although you might feel a brief, aching sensation during these moments, the discomfort is typically short-lived.
Alternatively, if the tear is in a location that is harder to reach, you may be asked to lie down during the procedure. In this case, our eye doctor wears a specialized head-mounted device that directs the laser beam through the eye. They may gently press on your eye with a small instrument (a technique known as scleral depression) to get a better view of the tear. This method allows the doctor to access retinal areas that are otherwise challenging to treat while still maintaining precision. You may experience similar sensations of brief discomfort and bright flashes during this technique, but rest assured they are normal parts of the process.
Contact us now to find a top optometrist or ophthalmologist near you who can guide you through the laser retinopexy process.
Laser retinopexy is a safe and effective treatment to prevent retinal detachment and preserve your vision. Learn more about the procedure today!
