Retinal Laser Treatment: Risks and Post-Procedure Effects

Retinal laser therapy

Hello doctor, I have some questions regarding retinal laser treatment during and after the procedure.

1.
If the left eye undergoes laser treatment, will the right eye, if not covered, be affected by the laser light and potentially suffer from eye damage?

2.
Regarding the first point, if the treated eye experiences no discomfort after resting on the same day and even sees an improvement in pre-existing floaters, while the other eye that was exposed to the light has persistent visual afterimages and appears to have new floaters that move with eye movement (which I assume are floaters?), could this be attributed to the laser light exposure? Will these symptoms resolve on their own?
3.
In relation to the second point, the eye that received laser treatment had pre-existing floaters (seeing mayfly-like organisms), but after the procedure, these floaters were not present and the eye felt comfortable.
Is this improvement due to the laser treatment?
Thank you, doctor.

123, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/12/22

Dr. He Jianxian reply Ophthalmology

The general purpose of retinal laser treatment is to use the heat from the laser light to create a stronger adhesion between the retinal tissue and the underlying layers.
During the procedure, the other eye does not need to be covered, and there have been no reports of it being affected as a result.
It is possible to experience an improvement in floaters after the laser treatment, as the occurrence of floaters can sometimes be associated with minor bleeding or debris resulting from the formation of retinal tears.
In such cases, as long as the tear remains stable, the blood or debris will be absorbed by the eye over time, leading to an improvement in the condition of the floaters.
This information is provided for your reference.

Reply Date: 2015/12/22

More Info

Retinal laser treatment is a common procedure used to address various retinal issues, including retinal tears, detachments, and diabetic retinopathy. While it can be effective, understanding the associated risks and potential post-procedure effects is crucial for patients considering this treatment.

1. Risk of Laser Exposure to the Non-Treated Eye: During a retinal laser procedure, there is a concern about the potential exposure of the untreated eye to the laser light. However, most ophthalmologists take precautions to shield the non-treated eye, minimizing the risk of any damage. If the non-treated eye is inadvertently exposed to the laser, it could theoretically lead to phototoxicity or other forms of retinal damage, but this is quite rare. If you experience any unusual symptoms in the untreated eye after the procedure, such as visual disturbances or discomfort, it is essential to contact your ophthalmologist immediately for evaluation.

2. Post-Procedure Visual Symptoms: It is not uncommon for patients to experience temporary visual disturbances following retinal laser treatment. The phenomenon you described, where the treated eye feels comfortable and the floaters seem to improve, could be due to the laser's effect on the vitreous gel or the retina itself. The laser may help in reducing the traction on the retina, leading to a decrease in the perception of floaters. On the other hand, if the untreated eye experiences new floaters or visual disturbances after being exposed to the laser light, it could be a result of the sudden change in visual input or even a new development of floaters. These symptoms may resolve on their own, but it is crucial to monitor them and consult your eye care provider for further assessment.

3. Improvement of Pre-Existing Floaters: The improvement in floaters in the treated eye post-laser treatment could indeed be attributed to the procedure. Laser treatment can sometimes lead to the breakdown of the vitreous gel or the retinal structure, which may alleviate the symptoms associated with floaters. However, it is essential to note that not all patients will experience the same outcomes. Some may find their floaters persist or even worsen, while others may see an improvement. If you have concerns about the floaters or any other visual changes, it is advisable to discuss these with your ophthalmologist, who can provide personalized insights based on your specific situation.

In summary, while retinal laser treatment is generally safe and effective, it is not without risks. Patients should be aware of potential complications, including the risk of exposure to the laser light in the untreated eye, and should monitor their vision closely after the procedure. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to an eye care professional promptly. Regular follow-ups and open communication with your ophthalmologist are vital to ensure the best possible outcomes and address any concerns that may arise during the recovery process.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Retinal Laser Treatment: Risks and Post-Procedure Care

Hello, Doctor: I went for my regular check-up at the hospital today and discovered a hole in the retina of my right eye. They used laser treatment to repair it. Since this is the first time I've encountered this, I'm very worried. Will there be any side effects after th...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: In the early stages, there may be temporary retinal edema, causing patients to experience symptoms such as dimming of vision and constricted visual fields, but these will gradually improve. It typically takes 2-3 weeks to reach a stable condition. During this time, it is i...

Potential Side Effects of Retinal Laser Treatment: What to Expect

Hello, Doctor! I would like to ask about my eye condition. My left eye has a prescription of -6.75 and my right eye -6.50. The doctor mentioned that the lower left corner of my left retina is thinning, but suggested we just monitor it for now. I would like to know if there are an...

Dr. He Jianxian reply Ophthalmology
In general, peripheral retinal laser photocoagulation does not have significant long-term side effects in clinical practice. Additionally, since the peripheral retina is not responsible for vision (the primary area for vision is the macula), the procedure does not affect visual a...

Concerns After Retinal Laser Treatment: Risks and Recovery Explained

Hello, Doctor. Six years ago, I was advised by a physician to undergo retinal laser treatment for a hole, and I went through with the procedure. However, I later learned that this doctor had a poor reputation and was known to frequently recommend retinal laser treatments, seeming...

Dr. He Jianxian reply Ophthalmology
The laser is typically positioned at the peripheral area of the retina, so the abnormal conditions you mentioned are unlikely to occur. However, if there is scar formation at the site of the laser treatment, it generally does not disappear. Dr. Chien-Hsien Ho, Ophthalmology Depar...

Understanding Retinal Laser Treatment: Effects on Vision and Recovery Tips

Hello, doctor. During my previous retinal examination, the physician mentioned that I need to undergo retinal laser treatment for a lattice degeneration condition. I would like to ask if undergoing this laser surgery will affect my vision, or if it will have no impact on my eyesi...

Dr. Hu Yusheng reply Ophthalmology
Hello: Your physician mentioned that retinal laser treatment is not a surgery. If there are no discomforts after the treatment, you may wear contact lenses approximately three days later. Please pay attention to the following precautions: 1. Before the treatment, your pupils must...