Laser Treatment for Retinal Tears and Detachments
The key to preventing vision loss from retinal tears and detachments is early detection and treatment. The good news is that treating a retinal tear is relatively easy. If caught early, it may also be possible to treat the tear before the retina detaches from the back of the eye.
Usually, laser photocoagulation is used to seal the retina to the back of the wall. In this procedure, done at all five of our locations, a special laser is used to make tiny seals around the edges of the tear. These applications seal the retina and prevent fluid from traveling under the retina.
During the treatment, your eye will be numbed with anesthetic eyedrops, and you will be given drops to dilate your pupil. A special lens may be used to focus the beam of light onto your eye. You will feel only minor discomfort, and you will notice flashes of bright light.
Following the surgery, your vision may be blurry for a few minutes but gradually improve. You will not be able to drive home following the treatment. Therefore, you should make transportation arrangements.
Another treatment for a retinal tear is cryotherapy, the use of a cold application to freeze the tear and seal the retina. This procedure is used in situations where it would be difficult to apply the laser. After eye drops are used to numb your eye, your doctor will apply a probe that generates cold treatment to the surface of your eye, directly above the location of the tear. This cold treatment freezes the tear and the resultant scar helps to hold the retina in place.
Since your vision may be blurry following this treatment, you will not be able to drive home. In addition, following cryotherapy, your eye may remain somewhat red and swollen for a period of time. This is normal and should not be of concern.
These treatments are done on an outpatient basis, and you may experience mild discomfort. In most cases, laser photocoagulation and cryotherapy prevent retinal detachments. Following both types of treatment, regular follow up visits with your doctor are essential. This is to ensure that the tear(s) remain sealed and that no additional tears have occurred.
Treatment may not be required for all tears. The decision is based upon whether the retina is likely to detach as a result of the tear. Your doctor will discuss your particular circumstances. However, both laser photocoagulation and cryotherapy must be used before the retina detaches. This is why early detection and intervention are critical.