Laser Treatments

What is a laser?

Lasers are now commonly used in ophthalmology to treat a variety of conditions. A laser is essentially a highly concentrated beam of light, which can, in a fraction of a second, generate enough heat to produce a reaction in the tissues of the eye. It is extremely accurate and almost always painless.

Argon laser

This can be used to treat diabetic eye disease. A treatment session can last between 5 and 45 minutes depending upon the amount of treatment required.
Changes related to ageing may also be treated with a laser and a session may last 15 minutes.
Glaucoma can be treated with this laser. In this type of treatment each eye takes around 10-15 minutes.
Retinal tears or holes can sometimes be treated with laser and this may mean it is not necessary to have surgery. Treatment time is approximately 15 minutes.
Stitches can be divided and removed after surgery with a laser. Treatment time is 5-10 minutes.
After treatment with an Argon laser, the eye is usually dazzled for several hours.

YAG Laser

This laser is mainly used to divide thickened membranes after cataract surgery. This treatment takes approximately 5-10 minutes.
This laser may also be used to treat glaucoma. This treatment takes approximately 10-15 minutes.

All information is for reference purposes only; if you have any concerns we recommend that you visit a qualified optician.

Related Eye Condition Links:

Blepharitis;
Cataracts;
Colour-Blindness;
Conjunctivitis;
Corneal Abrasion;
Dry Eyes;
Ectropion;
Entropion;
Glaucoma;
Iritis / Uveitus;
Keratoconus;
Macula Degeneration;
Meibomian Cyst;
PVD;
Short Sightedness.

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