Laser eye treatment can be very effective for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy, a condition which damages the retina causing vision loss or even blindness.

WHO MAY BE A CANDIDATE FOR LASER TREATMENT?

The aim of laser eye treatment is to prevent any further vision loss. Whether or not laser treatment may be done will depend on the type of diabetic eye disease and its severity. Your eye specialist at Melrose House will have the expertise to decide which laser treatment would be suited for your specific case.

WHAT DOES LASER EYE TREATMENT ENTAIL?

Your ophthalmologist may also do a fluorescein angiography prior to the laser treatment. This involves a dye being injected into the bloodstream so that the narrowed veins within the eye can be identified. If deemed a candidate for laser treatment, one of the two laser techniques may be suggested:

• Photocoagulation, otherwise known as focal laser treatment, is used to stop or slow the leakage of blood and fluid from abnormal blood vessels in the eye. Using a fluorescein angiography, your ophthalmologist identifies areas that are leaking fluid into the macula area so that the laser can be targeted to this area. This technique uses less intense laser power to treat diabetic macular oedema.
• Panretinal photocoagulation, otherwise known as scatter laser treatment, is used to shrink abnormal blood vessels. This treatment is usually spread over two or three sessions and is aimed at treating proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

After laser, your eyesight may be blurred, and your eyes may ache for a few hours. Some may notice spots in their side vision – these usually fade over time.