What is Barrage laser treatment and why do I need it?
WHAT IS BARRAGE LASER TREATMENT
Barrage laser is a procedure where an intense beam of light is used to strengthen weakened areas of the retina. The retina is a thin layer at the back of the eye that receives light and sends signals to the brain allowing us to see an image. People with Myopia or nearsightedness, are known to have weak areas in the periphery of their retina due to stretching of the globe. The different types of weak areas include Lattice degeneration, retinal holes, horse shoe tears, snowflake degeneration, etc. Prophylactic Barrage laser essentially seals these weak areas and reduces the risk of retinal detachment. Retinal detachment is a complex disease where the retina separates from its attachment and leads to sudden loss of vision warranting a retinal surgery.
WHEN DO I NEED BARRAGE LASER
During routine retina checkups, if the retina is found to have weakened areas as mentioned above, the retina specialist may advise barrage laser. The other indications can be before a refractive procedure like LASIK or when the patient has a family history of retinal detachment.
WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE AND HOW MUCH TIME DOES IT TAKE FOR THE TREATMENT
Barrage laser can be done as an outpatient procedure, without getting admitted to a hospital by a retina specialist. DIlating drops are instilled at the start of the procedure followed by topical anaesthetics in the form of eye drops. The laser is done while sitting or in lying down position. The doctor uses a specialised contact lens over the patient's eyes before giving laser shots. This procedure usually takes 15 to 30 minutes to complete, depending on patient's co-operation and complexity of the lesions.
WHAT IS THE RECOVERY TIME POST BARRAGE LASER TREATMENT
Post procedure, patient may feel mild pain and blurry vision, which recovers within 1-2 hours. As it is an outpatient procedure, the patient can go home the same day and continue with their daily activities apart from driving on the day of procedure. Post laser, few eyedrops will be prescribed which needs to be used for 2 weeks and follow up thereafter.
WHAT TO EXPECT POST LASER TREATMENT
Mild eye pain and headache which improves with medications. Blurry vision which recovers in 1-2 hours. If the patient experiences severe pain, swelling of eyes, persistent drop in vision, increased floaters(spots in front of the eye) and flashes of light they should report immediately to the hospital.