About the types of retinal laser treatment and follow-up care, it was organized in a Q&A with the help of specialist Yoo Young-ju from Kim Eye Hospital Retinal Hospital.
-What type of retinal laser?
▶ Representatively, there is an argon laser that coagulates tissues with heat, and it is used for diabetic retinopathy due to diabetic complications, retinal blood vessel occlusion that blocks blood vessels in the retina, and retinal tear with a hole in the retina. The PDT laser, which is used following absorption of special chemicals into the tissues, is applied to macular degeneration in which degeneration occurs in the macula, which is the most central part of the eye, and central growth fluid chorioretinopathy (central retinopathy) in which water accumulates due to inflammation in the macula.
-What is the difference between laser treatment for each disease?
▶For diabetic retinopathy, laser treatment is performed when abnormal new blood vessels are formed in the eye due to ischemic damage caused by diabetes. This is because new blood vessels easily bleed due to the weak blood vessel wall, and can also grow above the retina and pull the retina, causing retinal detachment. In the case of retinal blood vessel occlusion, laser treatment is also performed on the occluded area prophylactically by the same principle.
A retinal tear patient undergoes laser treatment to coagulate and firmly attach the surrounding normal tissue so that the torn retina does not spread further. Even if there is no hole, it can be treated as a preventive measure on the thinned area called lattice degeneration.
Among the retina, diseases occurring in the macula can cause serious visual loss, so early detection and early treatment are particularly important. Although it is common to treat macular edema due to diabetes or retinal vessel occlusion with antibody injection, laser treatment may be considered if the desired result is not obtained. If central retinopathy does not heal spontaneously or recurs frequently, the leak point is coagulated with a laser or a laser is irradiated directly to the center of the retina using a photodynamic laser.
– How long does it take and how much pain?
▶Treatment can be done on the same day, and may take as short as 5 minutes or as long as 20 minutes depending on the type of disease. A simple anesthetic is given to the eye, contact lenses are attached, and the treatment is performed in a seated state. Pain is usually of a degree of heaviness or tingling that the patient can tolerate. Usually, one treatment is possible, but in cases with a wide range of treatment, such as diabetic retinopathy, it is sometimes divided into two or three treatments. Although it is not necessary to be accompanied by a guardian, it is recommended in some cases.
– What are the precautions following treatment?
▶After argon laser treatment, daily life is possible, but activities that put pressure on the eyes, such as lifting heavy objects, should be avoided as irritation may cause bleeding. Due to the nature of the drug, there is a risk of burns when exposed to ultraviolet rays, so it is necessary to block such ultraviolet rays or strong indoor lighting for 48 hours following the procedure. In addition, temporary blurring of vision, floating objects, and glare may occur following the procedure.
“Laser treatment is a method of coagulating tissue using heat, so additional eye injections or surgery may be required if the retina is swollen or bleeding,” said Dr. In most cases, it is a treatment for the purpose of treatment, and in order to prevent further complications, treatment is recommended as a preventive measure.” Reporter Jang Jong-ho [email protected]
