Laser Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy and Retinal Vein Occlusions
Retinal laser treatment can help protect your eyesight from complications caused by diabetic retinopathy and retinal vein occlusions. These conditions can reduce circulation within parts of the retina, potentially leading to abnormal blood vessel growth, bleeding, scar tissue, retinal detachment, glaucoma, and permanent vision loss.
At Meadows Eye Physicians & Surgeons, our retina specialists use advanced diagnostic testing and laser technology to develop a personalized treatment plan based on the condition of your retina.
What Is Retinal Laser Treatment?
Retinal laser treatment, also called laser photocoagulation, uses precisely controlled laser energy to treat damaged areas of the retina or abnormal retinal blood vessels.
When portions of the retina lose adequate blood flow, they may release chemical signals that encourage fragile, abnormal blood vessels to grow. These vessels can leak fluid or blood and create scar tissue inside the eye.
Laser treatment may be used to:
- Reduce abnormal blood vessel growth
- Lower the risk of bleeding inside the eye
- Treat areas of retinal leakage
- Help prevent additional retinal damage
- Reduce the risk of severe vision loss
- Lower the risk of certain complications, including neovascular glaucoma
The goal is generally to preserve existing vision and prevent the condition from becoming worse. Laser treatment cannot always restore vision that has already been lost.
Laser Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy develops when prolonged high blood sugar damages the small blood vessels that supply the retina. As the condition progresses, retinal blood vessels may leak, close, or become unable to deliver enough oxygen.
In proliferative diabetic retinopathy, the retina begins growing abnormal new blood vessels. These vessels are extremely fragile and can bleed into the vitreous—the clear gel filling the center of the eye. They can also produce scar tissue that pulls on the retina and causes a tractional retinal detachment.
A treatment called panretinal photocoagulation, or PRP laser treatment, may be recommended to reduce the signals responsible for abnormal blood vessel growth. PRP remains an important treatment for proliferative diabetic retinopathy, although injections or a combination of injections and laser may also be recommended. The National Eye Institute notes that treatment choices depend on the stage and specific complications of diabetic eye disease.
Laser Treatment for Retinal Vein Occlusions
A retinal vein occlusion occurs when a vein responsible for carrying blood away from the retina becomes blocked. This can cause blood and fluid to leak into the retina, resulting in swelling and changes in vision.
There are two primary forms:
- Branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO): A blockage involving one of the smaller retinal veins
- Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO): A blockage involving the retina’s main vein
Severe retinal vein occlusions can reduce circulation enough to stimulate abnormal blood vessel growth. Laser treatment may be used to shrink these vessels, lower the chance of bleeding, and reduce the risk of elevated eye pressure. Focal or grid laser may also be considered in selected cases involving retinal swelling, particularly with BRVO.
Today, anti-VEGF eye injections are frequently used to treat macular edema caused by retinal vein occlusion. Laser may be recommended alone or alongside injections, depending on the type of occlusion and the problems it has caused. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recognizes both injections and laser surgery among the available treatments for retinal vein occlusion.
Types of Retinal Laser Treatment
Your retina specialist will determine which type of laser treatment is most appropriate.
Retina Laser Treatment in Las Vegas
Early treatment can make an important difference when diabetic retinopathy or a retinal vein occlusion threatens your vision. Meadows Eye Physicians & Surgeons provides comprehensive retinal evaluations, advanced diagnostic imaging, laser treatment, eye injections, and surgical retinal care throughout the Las Vegas area.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy or a retinal vein occlusion, schedule an evaluation with one of our experienced retina specialists.
Call Meadows Eye Physicians & Surgeons at (702) 358-0472 to schedule an appointment.