Laser Surgery for Retinal Detachment
Pacific Retina Specialists offers patients state-of-the-art diagnosis, treatment, and management of retinal diseases and conditions. Based in Beverly Hills, CA, Dr. David J. Parks puts an emphasis on total wellness, and seeks to help patients preserve their vision if not enhance their vision.
When dealing with retinal tears and retinal detachment, there are numerous options for repairing the damaged retina. We’d like to take a moment to consider how a laser surgery called photocoagulation can help repair retinal damage and restore the patient’s vision in the process. First, let’s consider the nature of retinal tears and detachment.
What Happens During Retinal Detachment?
When a person experience a retinal tear or retina detachment, the retina peels off from the back of the eye where it belongs. If the retina cannot be reattached, a person will suffer from permanent vision loss. Working quickly is important to prevent works vision for the patient.
About Photocoagulation
Photocoagulation is a type of laser surgery period on the eye. It is used to repair many kinds of retinal conditions.
First, a patient is given dialing eyedrops so the surgeon can access the inner structures of the affected eye. Using a precise surgical laser, a surgeon is able to create scar tissue along the torn or detached portion of the retina. This, in effect, welds the retina back into place. With the retina repaired, patients will have their vision restored and not suffer from permanent vision loss.
The procedure is usually performed without the need for local anesthetic, though a topical steroid applied in order to prevent serious inflammation. Following photocoagulation, patients should rest and avoid strenuous activities so their eye can fully heal.
Good Candidates for Photocoagulation
Good candidates for photocoagulation at our Beverly Hills retinal center are people who suffer from retina tears or detachment who require immediate retinal repair. The procedure can also be used to treat the following retinal problems:
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD/AMD)
- Blocked veins or blood vessels of the retina
- Retinal tumors
How Effective Is Photocoagulation?
Photocoagulation is effective at reattaching torn portions of the retina. After treatment, patients experience restored vision. While vision quality may not always be quite the same as it was prior to the laser surgery, repairing the retina will at least achieve some amount of comparable vision.
The Risks of Photocoagulation
Because photocoagulation creates scar tissue on the retina, there is a chance that this scar tissue can cause a blindspot in a person’s field of vision. Patients may also be more likely to develop cataracts as a result of the surgery.
As with all people who suffer from retinal tears or detachment, there is a risk of later retinal tears as a result of the initial injury, even after successful surgery.
Determining the Right Treatment for Your Eyes
When you come to our practice, we will determine the ideal treatment option for you. In addition to photocoagulation, our Beverly Hills retinal specialists may determine that cryopexy, scleral buckling, or vitrectomy may be more ideal. We can discuss these matters with you in greater detail during your visit.
Learn More About Advanced Retinal Care
To learn more about treating retinal diseases and preventing vision loss, be sure to contact a skilled eye doctor and retinal repair surgeon. The team at Pacific Retina Specialists can be reached by phone at (310) 289-3666.
