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Proliferative
retinopathy implies development of abnormal blood vessels
on, or in front of the retina which can bleed and cause sudden
loss of vision. Laser photocoagulation is aimed at destroying
these abnormal vessels directly or it causes them to regress
by ablating areas in the retina which are starved of oxygen.
The purpose of this treatment is to arrest progress of the
changes within the retina. This helps you to retain your existing
vision by reducing the risk of vitreous hemorrhage.
Laser
photocoagulation will not make you see or feel better. It
does not clear up existing hemorrhage. There is a small chance
that despite adequate laser treatment the disease process
may progress with further visual loss. These eyes can often
be helped by vitreous surgery an operation to remove blood
from the vitreous cavity. However the chance of visual loss
is much less after laser compared to what would happen if
laser treatment is not performed. Treatment is done on out
- patient basis. Each eye may require one to five treatment
sessions. The pupils have to be dilated prior to each session,
which usually lasts for about 20 minutes.
After
putting anesthetic drops, a contact lens is placed on the
eye & laser treatment done. Your waiting period will be roughly
2 hours. If you have diabetes you can bring some snacks with
you so that you don't become hypoglycemic. Continue normal
diet and usual medication before and after treatment. You
may use any form of transport, bathe and watch television
or movies. After the treatment drops are prescribed & precautions
explained. Glasses are not prescribed at this stage. Next
review is usually after six weeks when a complete examination
is done & FFA may be repeated. Further laser treatment is
given if required.
PRECAUTIONS
:
- Don't
bend down.
- Don't
lift heavy weights.
- Don't
strain at stools.
- Don't
do breath - holding exercise.
- Don't
take Asprin / Disprin.
- Sleep
with head raised with 2 pillows
- Continue
medicines for diabetes, hypertension or other systemic ailments.
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