Our Surgical Procedures
Other Lasers

Laser Retinopexy for Retinal Tears

A retinal tear is a break in the retinal layer of the back of the eye. Only a small percentage of eyes have a retinal tear, and they can occur for a variety of reasons. Sometimes a tear can lead to a detachment, which is when the retina is pulled away from its normal position. This can occur because the fluid or jelly (vitreous) on the inside of the eye passes through the break, lifting the retina off the back of the eye, just like wallpaper can peel off a wall. A detachment is a very serious problem which can lead to blindness. Some retinal tears should be treated and others are such low risk that they can be followed with routine exams. One way to treat a retinal tear is to use an argon laser to seal the retina to the back wall of the eye. This is called a laser retinopexy, and is performed in an attempt to prevent a detachment. The laser is done in the office and usually causes only mild discomfort.

YAG Capsulotomy and Cataract Surgery

The most common side effect after cataract surgery is a posterior lens capsule opacification (PCO). This PCO is a hazy membrane which forms just behind the intraocular lens that was placed during surgery, and causes vision to be blurry. The hazy membrane can occur months or years after cataract surgery. A YAG laser treats this PCO effectively and painlessly in the office. No incisions are made. The laser takes only a few minutes, and there are no restrictions after the treatment. Sometimes, the ophthalmologist will recommend that an anti-inflammatory drop be used after the laser for a few days. Vision is often improved within one day. In general, the YAG capsulotomy is extremely safe. However there is a very slight increased risk of damage to the lens implant, retinal detachment, lens dislocation, retinal swelling, or transient elevation of eye pressure.

Lasers for Diabetes and Glaucoma

Laser for diabetes is often recommended for PDR, macular edema, and neovascular glaucoma. An argon laser is used in the office to shrink abnormal blood vessels. For PDR and neovascular glaucoma, the laser is focused on all parts of the retina except the macula, and is called panretinal photocoagulation treatment (PRP). PRP may decrease peripheral vision, but it is often effective in preserving the rest of the patient’s vision and in stopping the progression of disease. Other side effects can include decreased night vision, color vision or central vision. Laser does not cure diabetic retinopathy and does not always prevent further vision loss. For macular edema, the two common laser treatments are ‘focal laser’ and ‘grid laser’. The argon laser is focused in the macula with very low power. If you are diabetic and have any changes in your vision, please call us immediately to meet with one of our Board Certified Opthalmologists.

Prepare for Your Visit

For information regarding what to bring to your appointment, please visit our Patient Registration page.

Insurance and Payment

For important information regarding insurance and payment for your upcoming appointment and related insurance regulations, please visit our Insurance Information page.

Please Note: If you have a Vision Care benefit, your insurance provider may require the contact lens exam be performed on the same day as the vision exam.

Like us on