Laser coagulation

Laser coagulation or laser photocoagulation is a medical procedure used to treat certain conditions of the eye, such as retinopathy, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. The procedure involves the use of a laser to seal or destroy abnormal, leaking blood vessels in the retina.

Procedure

The procedure is usually performed in an outpatient setting, under local anesthesia. The patient is seated in a chair similar to that used during a routine eye examination. The ophthalmologist uses a special contact lens to focus the laser beam onto the retina. The laser is then activated, and the energy from the laser is absorbed by the abnormal blood vessels, causing them to coagulate or seal.

Uses

Laser coagulation is used to treat a variety of eye conditions. These include:

• Diabetic retinopathy: This is a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes. It's caused by damage to the blood vessels of the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye (retina).
• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): This is a common eye condition and a leading cause of vision loss among people age 50 and older. It causes damage to the macula, a small spot near the center of the retina and the part of the eye needed for sharp, central vision.
• Retinal vein occlusion: This is a blockage of the small veins that carry blood away from the retina. The retina is the layer of tissue at the back of the inner eye that converts light images to nerve signals and sends them to the brain.
• Retinal tears: These are small breaks in the retina, the light-sensitive part of the eye.

Risks and Complications

Like any medical procedure, laser coagulation carries some risks. These may include:

• Vision loss: This is a rare but serious complication. It can occur if the laser treatment is applied too close to the center of the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision.
• Retinal detachment: This is a serious condition that occurs when the retina pulls away from its normal position at the back of the eye.
• Glaucoma: Increased pressure in the eye can lead to glaucoma, a condition that can cause vision loss if not treated promptly.

See Also

• Retina
• Ophthalmology
• Laser therapy

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