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Laser surgery may be recommended for the following...
Retinal holes or tears: If the retina tears, it can separate from the back of the eye. This is called retinal detachment and can cause loss of vision. Symptoms of retinal tears include: sudden flashes of light or "floaters" or specks in your vision
Most retinal tears can be treated with laser surgery if they are found before the retina detaches. The laser helps bond the retina to the wall of the eye, preventing a retinal detachment.
Diabetic retinopathy: Laser surgery can be used to seal leaking blood vessels and prevent further vision loss or to slow or stop growth of abnormal blood vessels.
Macular degeneration: There are two common types of macular degeneration: “dry” and “wet”. The most common form is dry macular degeneration and cannot be treated with laser surgery. Fewer people have wet macular degeneration which can sometimes be treated with a laser to seal off leaking blood vessels to prevent further vision loss. New technology brings us new treatment daily. One such treatment is Visudyne; a light-activated drug used in a procedure called ocular photodynamic therapy (OPT). OPT is a novel technology that involves the infusion of a photoactive drug, followed by a laser administered light, that activates the drug and allows for treatment of the diseased tissue. Recent clinical studies have demonstrated that photodynamic therapy can treat ophthalmic diseases characterized by neovascularization such as Age-Related Macular Degeneration.
Glaucoma: Early detection of glaucoma is the key to successful treatment. Eyedrops or pills are the usual form of treatment; however, laser surgery may be used to create tiny openings allowing fluids to drain and controlling pressure in the eye.
After Cataract Surgery: After a cataract has been removed, the capsule of the lens sometimes becomes cloudy. Laser surgery can open up this cloudy membrane and restore clear vision.
Refractive Surgery: The Excimer laser can be used to correct vision either by PRK or Lasik Surgery. People who have been dependent on glasses all or most of their lives may enjoy many activities without the use of glasses or contacts.
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