Laser Eye Treatments

What is a laser?

Lasers are now commonly used in ophthalmology to treat a variety of eye 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 laser 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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