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Photocoagulation therapy is a method of treating detachments (tears) of the retina (the layer of light-sensitive cells at the back of the eye) with an argon laser. The high-intensity beam of light from the laser is converted into heat.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoAfter applying anesthetic eye drops, the ophthalmologist places a contact lens on the patient's eye and focuses the laser beam through it. He or she operates the laser by foot. The patient may see a brief burst of blue-green light. When the laser.
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What is the purpose of photocoagulation therapy?
The purpose of photocoagulation therapy is to reattach a torn or detached portion of the retina and/or prevent further growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina that can cause a detachment.
What risks exist for the patient who has undergone photocoagulation therapy?
The most common risks of laser photocoagulation therapy are mild discomfort at the beginning of the procedure and the possibility that a second laser treatment will be needed to reattach the retina securely.
How should patients be prepared for photocoagulation therapy?
Preparation for photocoagulation therapy consists of eye drops that dilate the pupil of the eye and numb the eye itself. The laser treatment is painless, although some patients require additional anesthetic for sensitivity to the laser light.
Laser photocoagulation treats what ocular disorder?
Laser photocoagulation is used to treat some forms of wet age-related macular degeneration.
What characteristics does an abnormal photocoagulation therapy have?
The results are less favorable if the retina has been detached for a long time or if there is a large growth of fibrous tissue that has caused a traction detachment. These patients, however, will still have some degree of reading or traveling vision.
What characteristics does a successful photocoagulation therapy have?
Over 90% of retinal detachments can be repaired with prompt treatment, although sometimes a second procedure is needed. About 40% of patients treated for retinal detachment will have good vision within six months of surgery.
What alternatives exist to photocoagulation therapy?
One alternative for the treatment of small areas of detachment is cryopexy, which is performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia. In cryopexy, the ophthalmologist uses nitrous oxide to freeze the tissue underneath the retinal tear.
What are the Treatment Options for Retinal Detachment?
Laser Photocoagulation: Laser photocoagulation may be used in small, localized retinal detachments. This procedure involves using a laser to create minor burns around the detached area, sealing the tear, and reattaching the retina.
What does laser photocoagulation accomplish?
The procedure stops leakage of abnormal blood vessels by burning them to slow the progress of the disease.
What is a xenon flash lamp?
A xenon flash lamp is a lamp which produces a very short, intense flash of white light, used in photography and photocoagulation.
What care should a patient receive after photocoagulation therapy on a detached retina?
Patients who have had photocoagulation therapy for retinal detachment are asked to have a friend or family member drive them home after the procedure. The reason for this precaution is that the eye medication used to dilate the pupil of the patient's eye will make it difficult for them to see to drive and can cause uncomfortable photosensitivity, requiring dark glasses. Once home, the patient should rest. They will have instructions to resume their regular medicines, except eye drops in the eye that had the photocoagulation. They can eat, but the meal should be kept light. Pain relievers may be required. After surgery an eye patch will have been applied to the affected eye. This should be worn until the physician takes it off at the follow up appointment, usually the next day. There will need to be care of the patch to keep it clean and dry, the instructions will be provided by your doctor or his staff. You may be prescribed eye drops that you will be instructed to use. The shield over the eye patch must be worn at night during sleep and may be required during the day as well. Some doctors will allow the patch off during the day if glasses are worn to prevent injury while the patch and shield are off.
What is the use of green laser in opthalmology?
I believe you are referring to the Argon Green laser? It's principal uses in ophthalmology are in retinal photocoagulation for vitreoretinal surgeries and diabetic retinopathy.
