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Retinal coagulation
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Laser coagulation of the retina is performed on patients who suffer from peripheral and central retinal dystrophies, vascular lesions, and some types of tumors. Laser coagulation of the retina prevents the occurrence of retinal dystrophies, as well as retinal detachment. This procedure is effective in preventing the progression of dystrophic changes in the fundus.
Laser coagulation of the retina is the only and only method of treatment for diseases such as: changes in the retina, lattice degeneration of the retina, dystrophies - "snail tracks", vascular diseases of the eyes, diabetic retinopathy, thrombosis of the central retinal vein, angiomatosis, age-related macular degeneration, vascular pathology of the veins.
Laser coagulation of the retina is performed on an outpatient basis. Local anesthesia is used during the operation. It is easily tolerated by patients of different ages. Laser coagulation of the retina lasts approximately 15-20 minutes. After a short rest and an ophthalmologist's examination, the patient can return home.
The principle of laser coagulation treatment is based on the fact that the action of the laser leads to a sharp increase in temperature, and this leads to coagulation (clotting) of the tissue, so the operation is bloodless.
[ Technique of laser coagulation of the retina
- the size of the laser coagulate is 200 µm, exposure time is 0.1-0.2 sec;
- a three-mirror lens or panfundoscope is placed on the cornea under local anesthesia;
- dystrophy is limited by two rows of confluent coagulates of moderate intensity;
- After treatment, the patient is advised to avoid increased physical activity for 7 days until adequate scars are formed and the dystrophy is reliably delineated.
Possible complications of laser coagulation of the retina
Serious complications from peripheral laser photocoagulation are uncommon and are usually associated with treatment of large areas of the retina.
- Maculopathy in the form of cystic macular edema or macular folds.
- Choroidal detachment, which may be complicated by secondary angle-closure glaucoma due to direct rotation of the ciliary body.
- Exsulative retinal detachment usually resolves within 1 or 2 weeks.
- Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment caused by secondary tear formation is rare.
- Retinal hemorrhages are rare and can be stopped by applying pressure to the eyeball with a contact lens to increase the intraocular pressure.