At Retina Consultants, P.C., excellence is not an aspiration—it’s our standard. Our fellowship-trained retina specialists perform more than 800 vision-saving procedures each year, delivering advanced, highly specialized care to patients with complex retinal disease. Retinal laser surgery is one of the powerful tools we use to preserve and protect sight. Schedule an appointment with any of our five offices in Connecticut and access advanced care that protects your vision.
What is retinal laser surgery?
Retinal laser surgery, or laser photocoagulation, is a precise, minimally invasive procedure used to treat retinal disorders. Using focused laser energy, our specialists create tiny, controlled burns in the retinal tissue to seal, shrink, or stabilize abnormal blood vessels. Laser therapy can also repair retinal tears or control swelling in conditions such as macular edema.
The procedure is typically performed in our office. First, we’ll numb and dilate your eyes with special drops. You’ll remain awake, and no incisions are needed. Next, your doctor will place a special lens on your eye to help the laser focus more precisely. The laser delivers controlled bursts of energy to the targeted area while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
You may notice flashes of light, but discomfort is rare. We can complete most treatments in less than 30 minutes.
What conditions can retinal laser surgery address?
Retinal laser therapy in Connecticut is often recommended for several procedures, including:
- Diabetic retinopathy: Lasers shrink abnormal blood vessels and manage swelling (edema).
- Retinal tears or holes: Lasers seal microtears, preventing retinal detachment.
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): Focused light energy can help treat abnormal blood vessels that threaten central vision.
- Floaters: Sometimes, lasers can help break floaters and improve clarity.
- Macular edema: Lasers can help control swelling caused by blocked veins, helping preserve your vision.
- Peripheral retinal degeneration: They can reinforce certain weak areas of the retina to minimize the risk of future tears.
In many cases, early laser intervention prevents progression of minor issues to severe complications, including retinal detachment or permanent vision loss. If you notice changes in your vision, don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Early retinal care can save your vision.
How is laser treatment different from other treatments?
There are several treatments for retinal disease. However, lasers offer a precise, minimally invasive option to retinal care. Here is how lasers differ from several other common therapies.
- Surgical procedures: Traditional retinal surgery requires incisions and operating rooms. In contrast, retinal laser treatment is minimally invasive and often completed during a single office visit. There are no stitches, and there is typically no lengthy recovery period.
- Intravitreal injections: These medications target the biochemical drivers of macular edema and neovascularization. However, unlike lasers, they do not seal existing holes or tears. Intravitreal injections are often combined with laser therapy for some cases.
For advanced retinal detachment or severe vitreous complications, vitrectomy surgery may be required. However, laser therapy is often the first line of defense, especially when the disease is detected early.
Ready for specialized retinal care at a place near me in the Connecticut area?
A diagnosis of your retina can bring uncertainty about your vision. Whether it’s managing floaters or the effects of diabetes, you need specialized guidance. At Retina Consultants, P.C., our six retinal specialists combine experience, advanced technology, and clinical excellence to deliver exceptional outcomes for laser surgery and other therapies. To get started, contact our offices at:
- Hartford: (860) 527-9020
- Cromwell: (860) 788-6569
- Farmington: (860) 409-7800
- Manchester: (860) 646-7704
- Enfield: (860) 741-4300
Our specialist team will provide best-in-class retinal care, guiding you through each step with precision and care.
