Laser Treatment of a Detached Retina

Retina detachment is when the retina of the eye becomes separated from its supportive tissue, because of some sudden injury to the face or eye. Special laser treatment for the eyes can be used to resolve a detached retina.

Significance

• A detached retina is a vision-threatening condition. The retina cannot function when it becomes detached from its underlying layers. Permanent vision-loss is possible.

Nearsightedness

• People who are nearsighted, with much thinner retinas than normal, are more prone to retinal detachment, according to AllAboutVision.com. Nearsighted LASIK surgery patients risk retinal detachment, although chances are low. In a study of more than 1,500 LASIK surgery patients, four suffered retinal detachment.

Function of Treatment

• Treatment aims to reattach the retina and assure that it is properly in place and remains in place.

Laser Photocoagulation

• Laser treatment for detached retinas is technically called laser photocoagulation. In this treatment, the retina is reattached by sealing off the leaking blood vessels, and destroying any new blood vessel growth. The National Eye Institute describes the procedure as "welding" the retina back into place with laser beams.

Effectiveness

• The National Eye Institute says that this modern technology can successfully treat over 90 percent of retinal detachment cases, although a second treatment is sometimes needed.

Prevention of Vision Loss

• Retinal detachment is considered a medical emergency, and must be treated as soon as possible, before the macula (the retina's center region, responsible for detailed vision) detaches. Vision results are best if treatment is performed before this occurs, if possible.