What is the focal laser treatment?
Focal, or grid, laser treatment is a procedure used to treat macular edema present in conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and branch retinal vein occlusion. These conditions lead to damaged vessels that leak leading to the accumulation of fluid buildup in the macula. The macula is the central area of the retina which holds the highest concentration of photoreceptor cells that aid in providing us with the majority for central vision and color detail. If left untreated, the fluid buildup results in macular swelling and eventual damage to the photoreceptors leading to progressive permanent vision loss. Focal/grid laser therapy uses a finite amount/power/distribution of laser spots which can seal leaky aneurysms/vessels by creating a microscopic scar. Once leakage stops or reduces, the remaining fluid will then be reabsorbed into the eye leading to stabilization and/or improvement of visual acuity. It can take weeks to months, and often repeat treatments months apart, before desired results are achieved.
What to expect?
Before the procedure begins, the ophthalmologist needs to determine which areas are leaking near the macula. It is common for the doctor to conduct a fluorescein angiography, which reveals the specific location of damaged blood vessels and to what extent they are leaking. Your eye will be dilated to ensure that the view to the retina is optimal for treatment. Following confirmation that the patient is a candidate for focal laser, the patient’s chair will be adjusted into a comfortable position so the patient can place their chin on the slit lamp. Our laser technician will then place a topical anesthetic on the surface of the eye. Next, the doctor will place a contact lens with sterile gel onto the surface of the. The procedure itself takes 10-60 seconds. The patient will experience haziness and colored vision for up to 10 minutes following the procedure, after which the vision will return to pre-treatment level although dilation will last approximately 4 hours. There is no patch or post-procedure care such as eye drops required following focal laser. There is no pain with this procedure.