LASER PROCEDURES



OVERVIEW
Laser energy is used in many different instances in the treatment of diverse eye diseases. These include laser vision correction for refractive errors (poor eyesight requiring glasses and/or contact lenses), laser for the treatment of glaucoma and retinal laser for diabetic eye disease.

 

LASER VISION CORRECTION

Laser vision correction encompasses various laser surgical procedures, with the most well-known being LASIK. In laser vision correction, laser energy is used to reshape the cornea and restore clear vision. This allows the patient to become more independent of assistive devices such as glasses or contact lenses. Laser vision correction procedures are typically performed to correct conditions such as hyperopia (farsightedness), myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism.

Laser Vision Correction Works

Laser vision correction, a revolutionary procedure, adjusts the focusing power of the eyes, thereby enhancing one’s vision. Vision correction is a broad term that describes various procedures aimed at correcting refractive errors.

Our eyes are designed to focus light precisely, ensuring it reaches the back of the eye at a specific point. However, when this process is not functioning as it should, it results in what we call a refractive error, which can affect your vision.

Refraction has an impact on two primary regions of the eye:

  • The cornea is a crucial dome-shaped tissue at the front of the eye.
  • The lens of the eye, a dynamic structure, is responsible for bending and properly focusing light as it passes through the eye toward the retina at the back of the eye.

Vision correction surgery, a testament to the advancement in medical technology, involves making precise adjustments to the cornea or lens to improve how these structures focus light. For example, laser surgery, with its precision, is performed to alter the corneal shape, enhancing its ability to focus light, with the primary aim of resolving refractive errors.

How can we help?

At AllAboutEyes, our specialists perform laser surgery to treat glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. As specialists in laser vision correction and medical eye technology, we are committed to correcting refractive errors and restoring your vision. Rest assured, we are dedicated to your eye health and aim to restore optimal vision.


LASER FOR GLAUCOMA

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that causes loss of vision and eventual blindness, most commonly due to raised intraocular pressure in the eye. This high pressure damages the optic nerve behind the eye. Laser treatment, known as Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT), is used to lower the pressure in certain patients who have open-angle glaucoma.

Laser eye surgery, a safe in-office medical procedure, is performed to resolve certain types of glaucoma. It works by allowing fluid to drain steadily from the eye, thereby reducing intraocular pressure. If you are unsure about laser eye treatment, remember that our highly skilled ophthalmologist is always available to help put you at ease and guide you through the process.

What can I expect with laser eye treatment for glaucoma?

During the procedure, the ophthalmologist will use a speculum to keep the eye open and administer numbing eye drops. A beam of light (laser) will be directed into the eye to facilitate drainage by unclogging the trabecular meshwork. Patients can rest assured that they may go back to their normal routine a day after the procedure, minimising any potential disruption to their daily life.

In other types of glaucoma, where there is a blockage of fluid drainage channels by the iris (closed-angle glaucoma), a laser can be used to create a small hole in the iris to allow for the drainage of fluid from the back of the eye to the front, relieving the pressure build-up behind the iris.

Can I expect any adverse effects from the procedure?

Like any procedure, laser eye treatment may carry side effects. These can include soreness, swelling, and temporary changes in vision. The pain usually dissipates as the cornea is given sufficient time to heal.

Our ophthalmologist, a highly trained professional and expert in laser eye surgery, performs surgery with a high level of accuracy and precision, thereby instilling confidence in our patients and minimising the chance of potential adverse effects.  

 
 

RETINAL LASER

What is a retinal laser?

Retinal laser surgery, a procedure with numerous benefits, is more common than you might think. It is often used to resolve diabetic retinopathy and retinal tears, restoring vision and preventing further decline of one’s eyesight.

Retinal laser surgery, a procedure known for its high level of precision and accuracy, focuses on the targeted area without damage to nearby parts of the eye. It’s a relatively painless, outpatient procedure that normally takes thirty minutes to an hour to complete, although the duration may vary in each individual case.

Are there any adverse effects?

Like any medical procedure, retinal laser surgery may have side effects such as sensitivity to light and hazy vision. It's important to remember that these side effects are temporary, which should help alleviate any anxiety. Rare complications include deterioration in one’s eyesight and swelling.

Our ophthalmologist, a trained expert in retinal laser surgery, demonstrates a high level of expertise and performs.


LASER FOR DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition that causes loss of vision and eventual blindness in people who are diabetic. The condition affects the blood vessels in the retina of the eye.

Scatter laser surgery, or panretinal photocoagulation, is a type of laser treatment for diabetic retinopathy. This procedure aims to treat and prevent further damage to the blood vessels of the retina caused by proliferative diabetic retinopathy and advanced diabetic eye disease.

During the application of a retinal laser, the ophthalmologist will use eye drops to numb the surface of the eye and place a special lens on the cornea to focus the laser energy on the retina.

The laser energy destroys (ablates) peripheral retinal tissue, decreasing the oxygen demand of the retina, which eventually causes abnormal blood vessels to regress and prevent further loss of vision.

 

FAQ

1Does laser treatment cure diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy (diabetic eye disease) is caused by uncontrolled diabetes, so the first line of treatment must always be to control the systemic blood sugar. Although laser has been proven to dramatically reduce the risk of future blindness and severe vision loss, it might not always be effective in reversing existing damage caused to the retina.
2Is laser treatment right for me?
Our specialists will determine whether you are a good candidate for laser eye surgery based on your symptoms and medical history.
3When should I contact my ophthalmologist after surgery?
It is essential that you attend your follow up appointments after the procedure. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience eye pain, an increase in seeing floaters, loss of vision or change of vision.