What is laser treatment used for?

There are many eye conditions which are treated with laser. Laser light is a special type of light that comes in many different sub-types, which have different effects and properties. Laser machines designed for one type of treatment cannot be used for other indications. Common indications for the use of laser in eye conditions include refractive laser, Yag laser and retinal laser which treat  a wide variety of conditions including refractive error, posterior capsular opacity (scarring behind an intra-ocular lens implant which commonly occurs after cataract surgery), glaucoma, diabetic eye disease and retinal tears

What types of laser treatment are there?

Refractive laser

This uses so-called excimer lasers, which use ultraviolet light to reshape the cornea, the clear front “window” of the eye. It is used to change your prescription, frequently in order to remove the need for glasses. We do not perform refractive laser at our practice.

Yag laser

This is frequently an infra-red light laser. It produces tissue disruption on a very small level and is routinely used to treat posterior capsular opacity by opening up a clear window in the posterior capsule without the need for surgery. It is also used to treat some types of glaucoma.

Retinal laser

These include several laser classes, including argon, diode,multicolour lasers, micropulse lasers and lasers for photodynamic therapy. They generate a small heating effect underneath the retina and are used to treat retinal tears, diabetic eye disease and well as some rarer conditions.

What can I expect during my treatment?

Laser treatment is performed in clinic and is painless. Due to the bright light flashes during treatment, you may feel dazzled, however this effect does not last. Most laser treatment only takes a few minutes, though some treatments need a little longer. Your ophthalmologist will advise you on what you can expect.

What can I expect after treatment?

If you have received treatment for posterior capsular opacity, it is usual to experience floaters. These will persist inside your eye, although they quickly settle down at the bottom and your brain learns to ignore their presence.

Inflammation can be a rare side effect of some laser, so if you experience any pain of changes in vision, you should report these to your treating specialist.