What is Macular Laser for Central Serous Retinopathy?
Laser treatment is considered to restore vision if central serous retinopathy does not resolve in 2-3 months and there are recurrent episodes of retinal detachment (detachment of the retina from its underlying layers of tissue). The macular laser treats the area of fluid leakage, retinal pigment epithelium or RPE, and is performed if the defective area is located away from the center of the retina.
Laser treatment speeds up the healing process, reduces the duration of the focal (central) retinal detachment and decreases the recurrence of the condition.
Procedure of Macular Laser for Central Serous Retinopathy
A macular laser is performed under local anesthesia and eye drops are instilled to dilate the pupil, after which the doctor focuses the laser beams at the defective area to seal the leak identified on the fluorescein angiogram. This procedure uses heat from the laser to seal the leakage area and create a scar (tiny burn). Laser treatment aims to stop the leakage, resulting in the resolution of the fluid beneath the retina and thereby improving vision. It takes about 3-6 months to notice a significant change in the vision following the treatment.
Post-surgery, some patients report their vision away from the center is somewhat reduced in the treated eye and some patients may notice small dots in their vision or poorer vision in the dark. Most patients, however, regain 20/20 vision.
Related Topics
- Retinal Detachment
- Retinal Tear
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration
- Retinal Vascular Diseases
- Retinal Artery Occlusion
- Retinal Vein Occlusion
- Retinal Hemorrhage
- Vitreous Hemorrhage of any Etiology
- Central Serous Retinopathy
- Posterior Vitreous Detachment
- Vitreomacular Traction Syndrome
- Epiretinal Membrane
- Macular Edema
- Macular Hole
- Retinoschisis
- Ocular Ischemic Syndrome
- Cystoid Macular edema
- Color Blindness
- Nyctalopia/Night Blindness
- Cone Dystrophy
- Choroideremia
- Retinopathy of Prematurity
- Uveitis & Ocular Inflammation
- Retinoblastoma