Laser Surgery of the Eye

Laser surgery in ophthalmology can successfully treat many types of eye disease.

How does a laser work?

There are two different ways that lasers are used to treat eye conditions.

Thermal lasers--The light is converted to heat when it reaches the eye. The heat is used to:

• Seal blood vessels (veins and arteries) that are bleeding or leaking fluid
• Destroy abnormal tissue, such as a tumor
• Bond the retina to the back of the eye

Photodisruptive lasers--The light cuts or sculpts tissues, similar to a knife. The beam of light is used to:

• Cut thin membranes inside the eye that are blocking vision
• Change the shape of the surface of the eye

What are the advantages of using ophthalmic lasers?

• There is no risk of infection from the laser light, as might happen with operative surgery
• Laser surgery can be performed in an outpatient setting, without having to stay in the hospital overnight
• The surgeon has great precision and control

Which diseases can be treated with the laser?

• Retinal tears or holes
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Macular degeneration
• Glaucoma
• After cataract surgery
• Refractive surgery