Argon Laser Effective innovation to improve eye health and solve retinal problems
What is an Argon Laser
The argon laser is an advanced technology that has been widely used in the field of Ophthalmology.
This type of laser is effective in treating many eye problems, and it provides an effective solution for several medical conditions that affect the eye.
Argon laser retinal treatment is given for many different conditions in the eye such as vascular diseases, diabetes, membranes, retinal breaks and macular degeneration.
An argon laser is used to prevent fluid leakage from the blood vessels at the back of the eye (retina) or to prevent the development of abnormal blood vessels in the eye.
These problems may be related to diabetes or may be caused by other conditions that affect the blood vessels in the retina.
Eye diseases that can be treated with argon Laser argon Laser
Argon laser is used in the treatment of several medical conditions affecting the eye differently. Here are some in-kind diseases that can be treated by Arjun Laser:
Retinal rupture
Argon lasers are used to treat retinal ruptures that may occur as a result of retina separation from lower layers, and the laser helps restore the retina, as this laser shows precise force in targeting visual changes that may occur as a result of these conditions.
Abnormal blood vessels in the retina:
Argon lasers can be used to treat abnormal blood vessels in the retina, which helps reduce bleeding and improve blood irrigation.
Glaucoma treatment:
Argon lasers can in some cases be used to improve the flow of intraocular fluid and thus reduce the high eye pressure associated with glaucoma.
Capsulotomy:
After cataract ablation surgery, argon lasers can be used to improve the patient’s vision by cracking the membrane that may distort vision.
The necessary blood vessels of the retina:
An argon laser is used to form the necessary blood vessels to improve blood perfusion in the retina.
Proliferative retinopathy in diabetic patients:
Abnormal blood vessel growth above the retina in diabetic patients with uncontrolled sugar levels can cause swelling and scarring of the retina. These blood vessels can be burned with an argon laser, thereby improving vision.
Diabetes and argon laser
One of the most common areas of use of the argon laser today is the problems that occur on the retina in diabetics.
Especially in long-term and uncontrolled diabetics, undesirable new vascular formations may occur in the retina.
Leakage of fluid and protein into the retinal tissue from these vessels leads to a decrease in vision, which leads to a push in the area called the macula lutea.
In addition, since the newly formed veins are more fragile, they can cause intraocular bleeding. In these cases, controlled burns of retinal tissues are created using an argon laser and the development of the problem can be prevented.
It is important to perform argon laser therapy for diabetics when the time comes. Problems that cannot be controlled and are not treated in a timely manner can lead to irreversible vision loss in the future.
For this reason, it is important for diabetics to have an eye examination at least once a year, even if they have no vision complaints at all.
Lattice rupture and argon laser
One of the most important cases in which argon lasers are often used is the rupture of the retina. Retinal ruptures are serious problems and can cause permanent loss of vision.
When the retinal rupture is detected at an early stage, argon laser shots are fired around the rupture area, leading to the retinal adhesion to the rear tissue, thus preventing the passage of liquid to the retina.
It is appropriate for a person with a ruptured retina to be followed up for several weeks after an argon laser procedure.
It is also necessary to note that the laser sticks the retina with the tissue at the bottom and confirms that there is no leakage of the retina fluid.
If the fluid continues to leak below the retina after the laser, a condition called retinal detachment occurs, usually treatment in this case by surgery.
Intraocular pressure and its treatment with argon laser
Another area of use of the argon laser is to reduce intraocular blood pressure in glaucoma patients. For this purpose, argon laser trabeculoplasty (Alt) is performed.
In this procedure, an argon laser is applied to the area called the trabeculum, which is the area where the intraocular fluid is absorbed.
This, in turn, increases the absorption of intraocular fluid from trabeculae and contributes to a decrease in intraocular pressure. A laser treatment called laser selective trabeculoplasty is also available for the same purpose as the bottom procedure.
With substitution therapy, an effective decrease in intraocular pressure can be achieved in patients with intraocular blood pressure. However, the same result is not achieved in every patient.
The results are better for some people. The results obtained in the treatment of alt may disappear over time. It is also possible to think of alternative therapy as a drop used for intraocular pressure.
For example, if the patient’s intraocular pressure is under control with one drop, in this case a person can get rid of the drop with substitution therapy. In a person who uses two drops, the number of drops can be reduced to one with substitution therapy.
Symptoms experienced by people who are suitable for argon laser treatment
People who need eye treatment with an argon laser often experience a variety of symptoms.
Symptoms vary depending on the type of condition, among such symptoms in which people may need an argon laser are the following :
- Blinking or bright light in vision.
- Sudden vision of a black beam or shadows.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Severe headache.
- Pain in the eye.
- Impaired night vision.
- A feeling of blurring or blurred vision.
- Blurred color vision.
- Pain or pressure in the eye.
- A feeling of headache.
- Affected vision.
- Problems with seeing distances.
- Glare or shine in vision.
- Blurred vision.
- The appearance of fuzzy points.
- Disturbances in the vision of distant or nearby objects.
- Problems in distinguishing colors.
How Argon Laser Therapy Works
During treatment, the laser beam focuses on the back of the eye. This light beam is absorbed by the retinal dye under the retina.
The power of light can be diversified to do different things. Low light energy can thin the mesh pigment to allow oxygen to come from a deeper layer called placenta or a higher lighting force can be used to attach the retina to the mesh pigment layer.
Argon Laser processing steps
Before and during the start of treatment:
- An appointment is made with the attending physician and you will have dilator drops placed in the eye to enlarge the pupil which can take between 30 to 60 minutes to get the maximum effect.
- You will then have some local anesthetic drops placed in the eye to anesthetize it.
- The doctor will ask you to sit on the laser machine.
- A lens will be placed on the eye to allow the doctor to focus the laser on the retina.
- You will then hear a few clicks from the launch of the device and see some bright flashes of light.
- It is important to keep the eyes as still as possible, keep the eyes open and not put pressure on the eyes.
- This takes between 10-45 minutes.
After the treatment
- Your vision may be blurred for a few hours after the procedure partly due to the bright light used in the procedure.
- You may briefly experience discomfort or feel thinning of the eyes during and after the procedure.
- The pain is unusual, but it can be handled with a mild pain reliever such as paracetamol.
- A prescription of eye drops can be given.
- You will not be able to drive home after the treatment due to the eye drops used that will temporarily dilate your pupils and blur your vision.
- Heavy lifting should be avoided for 48 hours after laser treatment.
Vision after Argon Laser treatment
- Your vision may gradually improve over a few weeks; it may stay the same and rarely get worse.
- Treatment performed in one session may not always work due to constant leakage, therefore further treatments may be required.
- Improvement is usually slow and it may take weeks for you to notice it.
- If the remedy is used to prevent bleeding from abnormal blood vessels, you are unlikely to notice any change in your vision.
Advantages of Argon Laser
Argon laser technology is one of the modern medical innovations that offers many advantages in the field of eye health and care.
This laser is used to treat a wide range of medical conditions affecting the eye, and has several advantages that make it a popular choice for many patients. Let’s take a look at some of these features:
Targeting accuracy:
Argon laser provides high accuracy in targeting micro-areas of the eye, helping to improve therapeutic outcomes and reduce side complications.
Improving retinal perfusion:
The argon laser is effectively used to improve retinal perfusion by treating abnormal blood vessels, which is vital for maintaining visual health.
Treatment of retinal ruptures:
The argon laser makes it possible to effectively treat retinal ruptures, significantly reduces the risk of retinal detachment and deterioration of vision.
Improvement of intraocular pressure:
The laser is also used in the treatment of glaucoma by improving the outflow of intraocular fluid, which reduces intraocular pressure and maintains the health of the optic nerve.
Non-surgical procedure :
Argon laser treatment is considered a non-surgical procedure, which reduces the duration of hospitalization and allows patients to quickly return to their daily lives.
Wide application range:
Argon laser can be used in the treatment of many conditions including retinal tears, glaucoma, ocular tumors, cataracts, and others.
Optical patch adjustment:
In some cases, it is used to correct crystal lens problems after cataract surgery.
Side effects of argon Laser treatment
Side effects include the following:
- Eye drops used before the procedure may blur your vision for three to four hours even after treatment.
- You may have swelling of the retina (the inner surface of the eye) that gradually goes away over time.
- There is very little risk of worsening the clarity of your vision.
- You may need a second treatment session.
- It may reduce your night vision on a temporary basis (for several hours).
- In addition, it may temporarily reduce color vision (for several hours).
- You may experience loss of peripheral vision due to laser treatment depending on the condition of your eye.
- Some may have floaters (spots in front of their eyes).
- Sometimes, you may experience a headache for a week after treatment.
