Retinal Focal Laser

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

• Care notes
• Ambulatory
• Discharge
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AMBULATORY CARE:

What you need to know about retinal focal laser treatment:

Focal laser is a procedure used to treat leaking blood vessels and edema (fluid buildup) in the retina. The laser creates heat that seals the vessels and vaporizes fluid in the area. Tissues in the retina also become thinner. The area of leaking vessels is smaller, creating less fluid buildup. Focal laser treatment will not give you back lost vision, but it can keep vision loss from getting worse. Diabetic macular edema is the most common condition focal laser is used to treat.

How to prepare for the procedure:

• Your healthcare provider will tell you how to prepare. Arrange to have someone drive you home after the procedure. You may need to have 1 eye treated at a time. Treatment may be a few weeks apart. You may also need to have more than one treatment on each eye. Make sure you arrange to have someone drive you home after each treatment session.
• Bring dark sunglasses to your focal laser appointments. Drops are used to dilate (widen) your pupils before treatment. Your pupils will absorb more harmful sunlight than usual while they are dilated. You will need to wear the dark sunglasses during your ride home.
• Tell your provider about all medicines you currently take. He or she will tell you if you need to stop any medicine for the procedure, and when to stop. He or she will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of the procedure.

What will happen during the procedure:

• You may be given local anesthesia as eyedrops or shots to help prevent discomfort. You may still feel a mild ache during the procedure, but you should not feel pain. A contact lens will be placed on your cornea. The lens will keep your eye still and help the laser focus.
• The machine used for the procedure is similar to the machine used during a regular eye exam. You will sit with your chin on the chinrest and your forehead against the headrest. You may be asked to look at a target with the eye that is not being treated. This helps you keep your treated eye where your provider wants it during treatment.
• The laser may be directed at certain blood vessels in the retina. It may be given in a grid pattern to target more vessels. You will see flashes of bright light during the procedure. Tell your provider if you feel severe pain while the laser is being used. He or she may need to make changes to your procedure.
• Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment may be given to reduce swelling and improve vision. Medicine is injected into the vitreous of the eye. The vitreous is the gel-like material that fills the inside of the eye.

What to expect after the procedure:

• You should be able to return to most activities right away.
• You may feel a mild ache in your eye or see flashes of light for a day or two.
• Your vision may be blurry for up to a week.
• You may have a headache for a few hours.
• It will take at least 3 months before healthcare providers know if the treatment worked.

Risks of focal laser treatment:

Cells in the retina near the treatment area may be damaged. Scars created to seal leaks may be close together. This can damage the part of the retina that gives the clearest vision. Abnormal blood vessels may grow under part of the retina, affecting vision. You may need anti-VEGF injections to treat vision loss from the blood vessels.

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• You suddenly cannot see.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Seek care immediately if:

• Your vision seems covered by a dark curtain.
• You have severe eye pain.
• You have more trouble seeing.

Call your doctor or ophthalmologist if:

• You have new or worsening vision problems.
• You continue to have a headache after 2 days.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Acetaminophen

decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.

Do not drive, as directed:

Your vision may be affected for several days. Ask someone to drive you until your healthcare provider says it is okay to drive.

Protect your vision:

• Get an eye exam as often as directed. Eye exams are usually done every few months to monitor diabetic macular edema. Your healthcare provider will tell you how often to have eye exams. Early diagnosis and treatment of eye problems may prevent permanent vision damage.
• Manage health conditions that can cause vision problems. Common examples include diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Follow up with healthcare providers who manage these conditions.
• Wear sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection. Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun can damage your eyes and increase your risk for vision loss.
• Eat foods that contain eye-healthy nutrients. Healthy nutrients include vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, and zeaxanthin. They can be found in foods such as spinach, peanuts, salmon, collard greens, avocados, squash, eggs, and blueberries. Ask your healthcare provider for a full list of foods that contain eye-healthy nutrients. You may also need to take a vitamin or supplement to help you get enough of these nutrients.
• Exercise as directed. Exercise can help control your blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Ask your healthcare provider about the best exercise plan for you.
• Do not smoke. Nicotine can damage blood vessels in your eyes. Do not use e-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco in place of cigarettes or to help you quit. They still contain nicotine. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit.

Follow up with your doctor or ophthalmologist as directed:

Your eyes will be checked to make sure the area was fully treated. Another treatment can be done after a few months, if needed. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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