Η ARGON Laser photocoagulation is a well-established ophthalmological treatment applied to the αμφιβληστροειδή (the “film” at the back of the eye), especially in patients with diabetic retinopathy and/or diabetic macular edema.
The aim of the treatment is to stabilize the disease, to reduce the risk of bleeding/complications and to preserve vision, not necessarily to “restore” it completely.
The application is done with a special microscope/lens and short laser shots. Created tiny, controlled “cauterizations” in selected areas of the retina, in order to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.
Main forms of laser treatment
Focal (and/or Grid) photocoagulation
with Laser
Where it applies:
- At Diabetic macular edema (especially when there are specific leakage points)
- In some cases retinal cracks/cracks (laser “fencing” around the crack, with a different logic than the swelling)
What he is trying to achieve:
- At diabetic macular edema, the purpose is to reduce liquid leakage from abnormal vessels/microaneurysms, in order to the swelling subsides affecting central vision.
- On retinal cracks, the aim is to create a “wall” scar around the crack, so that reduce the risk of detachment.
Practical features:
- It becomes targeted in a limited area.
- It usually has less impact in the peripheral visual field compared to panretinal therapy.
Panretinal photocoagulation
(PRP - Panretinal Photocoagulation)
Where it applies:
At Productive Diabetic Retinopathy (when they grow new angels, i.e. new pathological vessels)
What he is trying to achieve:
- The productive form of the disease is accompanied by ischemia (lack of oxygenation) of the retina, which leads to the production of substances that “call ahead” neovascularization.
- PRP reduces the total amount of ischemic stimulus of the retina, resulting in:
- neovessels recede/stabilize,
- reduces the risk of vitreous haemorrhage,
- reduces the risk of retinal detachment and other serious vision-threatening complications.
Practical features:
- Applied in wide area of the peripheral retina (not in the center of the macula).
- Often done in more than one session, depending on the severity of the disease and the patient's tolerance.