Argon Laser – Laser on the Retina
The Argon laser is a photocoagulation laser for the retina. This means that the energy it delivers is used to cauterize the retina in order to treat diseased areas: retinal tears , diabetic retinopathy , retinal vein occlusion , etc. Laser sessions take place in the office. The pupil is dilated beforehand to allow observation of the fundus. A few minutes before the laser treatment, an anesthetic eye drop is administered to make the procedure virtually painless.
What is the Argon laser?
The Argon laser was developed in ophthalmology to cauterize the retina. Its light energy reacts with the retinal pigment epithelium, the deepest layer of the retina.
By cauterizing this epithelium, the retina adheres to its nourishing envelope: the choroid.
However, the cauterized areas lose their photoreceptors and therefore their visual capacity.
This healing reaction also reduces the oxygen requirements of the retina.
What is the purpose of the Argon retinal laser?
The argon laser has multiple applications in ophthalmology. It can be used for:
Cauterizing Retinal Tears – Retinal tears occur in nearsighted patients or those with a posterior vitreous detachment. The danger of a tear is the potential for it to progress to a retinal detachment.
Stabilizing proliferative diabetic retinopathy – Diabetes causes damage to the retina and the development of abnormal blood vessels on the retina. These blood vessels can be cauterized with an Argon laser, which reduces the risk of complications.
Vascular abnormalities that pose a risk of retinal bleeding or ischemia – Retinopathy of prematurity, sickle cell disease, Coats' disease,…
Laser treatment can prevent the worsening of eye disease and sometimes even cure it. Laser procedures treat the peripheral retina. The macula is spared, preserving central (sharp) vision and color vision.
How does Argon laser treatment work?
Argon laser sessions do not require hospitalization. Sessions are sometimes repeated to treat your retina.
Before the laser
Mydriatic drops are instilled to dilate your pupil. This will allow the ophthalmologist to see your fundus more clearly.
You must wait an average of 20 to 30 minutes for the drops to take sufficient effect.
It is possible to start using these drops at home before consulting a doctor in order to save time.
Your ophthalmologist will put anesthetic eye drops in your eyes to limit discomfort.
You will be seated in a chair, with your face against a slit lamp (tabletop microscope). This slit lamp is connected to a laser.
A contact lens will be gently placed on your eye to focus the laser beam and limit eye movements.
During the laser
The ophthalmologist focuses a very intense beam of light onto the retina (fundus of the eye).
You may see some flashes of light in the treated eye.
It is very important to keep your head still and not move it.
There may be a slight tingling or pinching sensation.
The treatment lasts from 3 to 10 minutes, depending on your illness and your cooperation.
After the laser
You may leave the office immediately.
A follow-up visit will be scheduled.
Your vision may remain blurry for three or four hours after the treatment.
Avoid driving for 24 hours after each treatment.
No treatment with drops is necessary.
Risks and side effects of Argon laser
The side effects are as follows:
Mydriatic eye drops instilled before the laser procedure will blur your vision for three to four hours, even after the treatment.
Your perception of colors may also be altered for a few minutes or hours.
You may experience conjunctival hyperemia because the lens irritated your eye on contact.
Vision may appear slightly darker (night blindness) after laser sessions.
Laser treatment can lead to a loss of peripheral vision.
Some patients notice an increase in floaters after the sessions.
Some patients report headaches that can last up to a week after treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during an argon laser session?
Argon laser sessions are performed in the office.
The pupils are dilated for 20 to 30 minutes before the laser treatment. The drops can be instilled at home or upon arriving at the clinic early.
Anesthetic drops are instilled 1 to 2 minutes before the laser.
Once you are positioned at the laser, with your face against the headrest, a lens will be placed against your eye.
The treatment lasts 1 to 5 minutes in order to cauterize the retina.
Immediately after the laser treatment, you will be very dazed. Your vision will gradually return within a few minutes.
Yes! In cases of bilateral involvement, such as in diabetes, both eyes can be treated alternately a few seconds apart.
What treatment is needed after an Argon laser session?
No treatment is necessary after Argon laser sessions.
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