Laser photocoagulation is a technique employed by retinal surgeons to treat a number of eye conditions, one of which is the exudative (wet) form of MD. In this treatment, laser light rays are directed into the eye focusing on abnormal blood vessels that are growing beneath the retina. This laser, with the heat from a fine-point laser beam, cauterizes the vessels to seal them from further leakage in the hope of preventing further vision loss. It does not restore lost vision, so it is critical that the eye be treated as early as possible in the course of the disease.

Photocoagulation is also known as the "hot" laser treatment, because it also destroys surrounding healthy tissue while coagulating the leakage from abnormal vessel growth. Only a small percentage of people meet the requirements for this type of laser, because those with occult (hidden) or subfoveal (center of macula) leakage are usually not candidates.

Photocoagulation laser surgery is done on an outpatient basis. Eye drops will be given to dilate the pupil and numb the eye. The treatment is performed while the patient is seated in a chair, similar to the one used for regular eye examinations. The patient remains awake and comfortable, but some may experience mild pain, which can usually be relieved with non-prescription medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). The laser treatment usually takes less than thirty minutes to complete, and the patient can go home immediately following surgery. It could take several weeks before knowing if laser surgery has been successful, and many patients will need more than one treatment to control their eye condition in order to try preventing further vision loss. It is not a cure, but a temporary treatment designed to postpone deteriorating vision loss.

For further information, see the MD Support Glossary and Treatment Archives.