Retinal Laser Treatment and Its Side Effects: A Patient's Inquiry

Q: Retinal Laser Treatment and Its Side Effects: A Patient's Inquiry

Hello： I am very sorry to hear about the situation you described. <br>Floaters can indeed have a significant impact on vision and daily life. <br>I will do my best to explain the retinal laser treatment you mentioned and its possible consequences, as well as provide some clarific

Regarding retinal laser treatment?

Dear Dr.
Gao, Happy New Year! I apologize for bothering you again, and I sincerely thank you for your continuous assistance to us, the helpless patients, without any charge.
I am a patient who developed severe floaters after laser treatment, to the point where it is driving me nearly insane.
Afterward, I went to a medical center for an examination and found out that my retina was merely thinner.
The reason I underwent the laser treatment was that the doctor told me there were several holes in my retina.
I trusted him and proceeded with the laser, and now it’s too late to regret.
However, it seems that there is no information online about the occurrence of numerous floaters due to retinal laser treatment, which I truly do not understand.

I would like to ask Dr.
Gao:
1.
What is the mechanism of retinal laser treatment? Is it aimed at the surrounding retina and delivered in pulses, generating significant thermal energy at the moment of application?
2.
After the treatment, if I frequently move my eyes, is there a possibility that the thermal energy could be transmitted to the vitreous body? (What I mean is, could the constant movement of my eyes cause the thermal energy to transfer to the flowing vitreous, leading to liquefaction of the entire vitreous body?) Because my liquefaction is not limited to the area where the laser was applied (the upper right corner), but I have floaters appearing in all directions...
I find it hard to imagine why a laser applied to one area would cause the entire vitreous to liquefy.

3.
Dr.
Gao, I found information online that you serve in Chiayi, but it would be inconvenient for me to visit during the day due to dilation (I can only go alone).
I would like to ask if you provide services in Taichung? I would like to consult you about why my eyes have reacted this way after the laser treatment.
Thank you, Dr.
Gao.

Nìmíng, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/01/01

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello: I am very sorry to hear about the situation you described.
Floaters can indeed have a significant impact on vision and daily life.
I will do my best to explain the retinal laser treatment you mentioned and its possible consequences, as well as provide some clarification regarding your questions.
1.
The mechanism of retinal laser treatment involves targeting and irradiating specific areas of the retina with laser energy, which is typically used to treat retinal conditions such as retinal tears or breaks.
The laser application generates thermal energy aimed at sealing the affected area to prevent fluid or blood from entering the tear or break, thereby preventing retinal detachment.
2.
The thermal energy from retinal laser treatment is usually localized, primarily concentrated in the specific area being treated.
After the procedure, it is unlikely that the thermal energy would directly transmit to the vitreous and cause liquefaction.
Liquefaction refers to structural changes within the vitreous body, which are typically associated with natural aging or other ocular diseases.
The liquefaction and floaters you described occurring in multiple areas are more likely related to other factors rather than solely the thermal effects of the laser.
3.
Currently, I only practice at Puzi Hospital and Chiayi Hospital and do not see patients in Taichung.
Additionally, I am not a retinal specialist; there are many retinal specialists in Taichung who can provide detailed eye examinations and consultations.

Reply Date: 2024/01/01

More Info

Hello! Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding retinal laser treatment and the subsequent development of severe floaters. I understand how distressing this situation can be, and I appreciate your trust in seeking further clarification on this matter.

1. Mechanism of Retinal Laser Treatment: Retinal laser treatment, often referred to as laser photocoagulation, is a procedure used to treat various retinal conditions, including retinal tears or detachments. The laser works by delivering focused light energy to the retina, which creates small burns in the targeted area. This process helps to seal retinal tears and prevent further detachment by promoting the formation of scar tissue that anchors the retina to the underlying tissue. The heat generated by the laser is localized, meaning it primarily affects the area being treated. However, the surrounding tissues can also experience some thermal effects, but these are typically minimal.

2. Impact of Eye Movement on Vitreous: After laser treatment, it is natural to wonder about the effects of eye movement on the vitreous gel. The vitreous is a gel-like substance that fills the eye and is closely associated with the retina. While the laser treatment itself is localized, the vitreous can undergo changes due to various factors, including age and the natural process of vitreous degeneration. It is unlikely that the heat from the laser would cause widespread liquefaction of the vitreous, especially if the treatment was focused on a specific area. However, if the vitreous is already predisposed to liquefaction, it may occur independently of the laser treatment. The presence of floaters can be a common occurrence as the vitreous gel changes consistency and pulls away from the retina.

3. Follow-Up Care: It’s essential to have regular follow-up appointments with your eye care provider after any retinal procedure. If you are experiencing significant floaters or changes in your vision, it is crucial to report these symptoms to your ophthalmologist. They can perform a thorough examination to assess the state of your retina and vitreous and determine if any additional treatment is necessary.

Regarding your inquiry about my availability in Taichung, I recommend contacting the clinic directly to inquire about appointment options. If I am not available in your area, I encourage you to seek care from a qualified retinal specialist who can provide you with the necessary evaluation and support.

In conclusion, while the development of floaters after laser treatment can be concerning, it is essential to understand that this can occur due to various factors, including the natural aging process of the vitreous. Regular monitoring and communication with your eye care provider are vital to managing your symptoms and ensuring the health of your eyes. Please do not hesitate to reach out for further assistance or clarification on any of these points. Your eye health is important, and I wish you the best in your recovery.

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