What to Expect From Focal Laser Therapy

Lasers used to be a common idea in fictional books, but they have become a reality and changed the world in many ways. The applications of this technology have transformed the modern world, including everything from laser pointers to countless medical applications. 

Focal laser therapy is a medical treatment that uses this technology and helps to treat many medical problems, including eye diseases. Muncie, Indiana, residents needing eye treatments like focal laser therapy can get help from Dr. Jeffrey Rapkin and his experienced team at Retina Consultants of Muncie.

Let’s examine the procedure further to better understand how it works.

What is focal laser therapy?

Also known as retinal laser therapy or focal laser photocoagulation, focal laser therapy uses focused light to create minor burns that seal blood vessels and reduce fluids in your eye. This outpatient procedure can be used on other body parts, but when applied to the retina, the short bursts of high-energy beams get absorbed by that area to coagulate and form scar tissue. Focal laser therapy by itself cannot reverse the damage done to your eye by disease, but applied correctly, it will prevent the condition from worsening.

What conditions can it treat?

This innovative technology can be used to manage different eye problems, including:

Diabetic retinopathy 

This retina disease is the most common reason focal laser therapy is used on the eye. Left untreated, this illness can blind you. With this form of retinopathy, the blood vessels become abnormal and leak, further damaging your vision.

Macular edema

Another complication of diabetic retinopathy, the formation of abnormal blood vessels also causes swelling in the macular fluid. This problem can also be caused by macular degeneration.

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO)

Another retinal vascular disease, RVO occurs when these veins can’t drain blood into your heart. The obstruction leads to edema, which will starve the retina and create abnormal blood vessels.

What is the procedure like?

Dr. Rapkin begins the process by numbing and dilating your eye using drops to ease discomfort and enlarge the pupil. Next, he places a special contact lens to limit eye movement and direct the laser while he works. 

Once the damaged areas are located, the laser works precisely to repair the problem, repairing tears, removing leaking blood vessels, and sealing the area to prevent further issues. Depending on the problems being treated, multiple procedures may be necessary. 

Discomfort and blurriness are common but mild after the process, and we can prescribe drops and other medications to ease your symptoms.

Focal laser therapy can help preserve your vision. Make an appointment with Dr. Rapkin and the Retina Consultants of Muncie team today to see if it’s right for you.