Retinal Laser Treatment

WHAT IS LASER TREATMENT?
It is a method of treatment in which high-energy beams of light are aimed at a precise area of your eye.

WHAT IS LASER TREATMENT USED FOR?
This type of laser maybe referred to as Argon or PASCAL laser and is used to treat retinal conditions, such as diabetic eye disease and retinal vein occlusions.

It is important to realise that this type of laser treatment can only preserve the sight you have, not make it better.

HOW IS THE TREATMENT CARRIED OUT?
The treatment will be carried out in the eye department. A nurse will test your vision and instil dilating eye drops which take approximately 20 minutes to work. You will have the opportunity to discuss with the doctor any queries you may have before signing a consent form. You will be given more drops just before the procedure, which numb the front of the eye making it more comfortable to apply a special contact lens to the front of the eye. Your chin will be positioned on a chin rest and you may be aware of bright flashing lights and noises from the machine during the procedure.

IS IT PAINFUL?
The treatment can sometimes be uncomfortable, although this will depend on the amount of laser used. Please be sure to tell the doctor if you are uncomfortable. You may wish to take some paracetamol before the procedure.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS?

• No treatment is possible without side effects, but the risks of having laser treatment are far fewer than the risk of not having laser treatment.
• The laser is bright and may cause a temporary reduction of sight, flashing lights and blurred vision. These may last a few hours following treatment. For some people the side effects may last longer.
• Some people develop headaches, and the eye can feel uncomfortable, which can last up to a week. Simple pain relief can be taken during this time.

Longer Term Side Effects

• If you are having extensive laser treatment it is common to lose some peripheral vision. This may affect your ability to drive safely. If you have had laser treatment for diabetic retinopathy you are required to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) who may request that you have your peripheral vision tested.
• Occasionally your central vision may not be as good as before (print is not as easy to read). This is usually temporary but sometimes does not improve.
• The risk is increased if there is any eye movement, however, you will be given clear instructions where you need to look.
• There is a small risk of loss of vision due to a haemorrhage or scar tissue forming at the macula (the most highly specialised part of the retina vital for reading, writing, and recognising colours).

WILL I NEED TO REMAIN IN HOSPITAL AFTER THE TREATMENT?
You will be able to go home immediately after your treatment. If your treatment has been lengthy, you may need to rest for 5-10 minutes before going home. You can continue with normal activities e.g. reading, watching television, knitting, sewing etc.

WILL I BE ABLE TO DRIVE AFTER THE TREATMENT?
The hospital advises that you DO NOT DRIVE immediately following the treatment.

If you have any worries or further questions, please feel free to talk to one of the nurses or the doctor.

If your symptoms or condition worsens, or if you are concerned about anything, please call the department where you received your treatment:

Kidderminster Treatment Centre Eye Clinic: 01562 512382

Worcestershire Royal Eye Clinic: 01905 733548

Princess of Wales Eye Clinic: 01527 488198

Alternatively, please call: Opticians, GP, 111, or 999.

If your symptoms or condition worsens, or if you are concerned about anything, please call your GP, 111, or 999.

Patient Experience
We know that being admitted to hospital can be a difficult and unsettling time for you and your loved ones. If you have any questions or concerns, please do speak with a member of staff on the ward or in the relevant department who will do their best to answer your questions and reassure you. 

Feedback
Feedback is really important and useful to us – it can tell us where we are working well and where improvements can be made. There are lots of ways you can share your experience with us including completing our Friends and Family Test – cards are available and can be posted on all wards, departments and clinics at our hospitals. We value your comments and feedback and thank you for taking the time to share this with us.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
If you have any concerns or questions about your care, we advise you to talk with the nurse in charge or the department manager in the first instance as they are best placed to answer any questions or resolve concerns quickly. If the relevant member of staff is unable to help resolve your concern, you can contact the PALS Team. We offer informal help, advice or support about any aspect of hospital services & experiences.

Our PALS team will liaise with the various departments in our hospitals on your behalf, if you feel unable to do so, to resolve your problems and where appropriate refer to outside help.

If you are still unhappy you can contact the Complaints Department, who can investigate your concerns. You can make a complaint orally, electronically or in writing and we can advise and guide you through the complaints procedure.

How to contact PALS:
Telephone Patient Services: 0300 123 1732 or via email at: [email protected]

Opening times:
The PALS telephone lines are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.00pm. Please be aware that you may need to leave a voicemail message, but we aim to return your call within one working day.

If you are unable to understand this leaflet, please communicate with a member of staff.  

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