Treatment · Eye care
Laser treatment
Laser treatment uses a focused beam of light to treat specific eye findings. Common examples are YAG capsulotomy, which clears clouding that can develop behind a lens implant after cataract surgery, and retinal laser for some stages of diabetic retinopathy. The ophthalmologist explains whether a laser procedure applies to you.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Meera Krishnan, MBBS, MS (Ophthalmology) —
At a glance
The essentials.
- Practice
- Eye care
- Type
- Treatment
The full guide
What it is
Eye laser procedures are outpatient treatments that use a focused beam of light. Each procedure has one specific purpose. The ones most often performed are:
- YAG capsulotomy (YAG is the crystal used in the laser, yttrium aluminium garnet): after cataract surgery, some people develop clouding of the capsule that holds the lens implant. The laser makes a small opening in the clouded capsule. It takes minutes and no cut is made.
- Retinal laser (photocoagulation): small, precisely placed laser applications treat targeted areas of the retina, used for some stages of diabetic retinopathy and some other retinal findings.
- Laser iridotomy: a small opening made in the iris for people whose eye examination shows a narrow drainage angle, a finding linked to angle-closure glaucoma.
Why an ophthalmologist may recommend it
Laser treatment is not one treatment for many problems. The ophthalmologist recommends a specific procedure only when the examination shows the specific finding it addresses, and explains what that procedure does and does not do before you decide.
How to prepare
Eat and take your usual medicines as normal unless told otherwise. Drops are given before the procedure; depending on the procedure they may widen or narrow the pupil. Vision is often blurred afterwards, so plan for someone else to drive you home.
Safety, limitations, and when to contact the clinic
Each procedure has its own specific, uncommon risks, which the ophthalmologist discusses with you before you decide. What laser treatment does for vision depends on the condition being treated, and responses vary between people; this page does not promise any particular outcome. Contact the clinic if pain increases, vision worsens, or new floaters or flashes appear after treatment.
This website is for information and appointments. It is not monitored for emergencies. For sudden loss of vision, a serious eye injury, or severe eye pain with nausea or vomiting, call 108 for an ambulance or go to the nearest emergency department.
Results and follow-up
A review appointment checks the effect of the procedure: an eye-pressure check after capsulotomy or iridotomy, and a retinal review after photocoagulation. Ongoing monitoring continues as part of care for the underlying condition.
Sources
Before you come
What to bring and how to prepare
A short checklist to run through before your appointment. If anything here is unclear, call the clinic and ask.
- Eat and take your usual medicines as normal unless told otherwise.
- Drops are given before the procedure; depending on the procedure they may widen or narrow the pupil.
- Vision is often blurred afterwards, so plan for someone else to drive you home.
What happens
On the day.
What to expect from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave.
during
During the visit
numbing drops are used, and a small contact lens is often placed on the eye to steady it and focus the laser. You sit at a machine similar to the examination microscope and see bright flashes of light. Most procedures take minutes. Depending on the procedure, you may feel brief pinprick or aching sensations.
after
Afterwards
vision may be blurred and the eye may ache mildly for a short time. Drops may be prescribed for the days after the procedure, with instructions on how to use them.
Before your appointment
Frequently asked questions
Practical answers about preparation, timing and what happens at the clinic.
Is this the same as laser surgery to remove glasses power?
No. Procedures such as YAG capsulotomy and retinal laser treat specific eye findings. Laser surgery to reduce dependence on glasses is a different kind of procedure; ask the clinic what applies to you.
Does laser treatment hurt?
Numbing drops are used, and most people feel brightness with brief pinprick or aching sensations, depending on the procedure. The ophthalmologist tells you what to expect for yours.
Can I go home the same day?
Yes. These are outpatient procedures. Vision is often blurred for a while afterwards, so someone else should drive you home.
Where this fits
Related care and consulting times.
The conditions this is used alongside, and when the consultant sees patients at the clinic.
Consultation hours
- Eye care
- Mon–Sat, 5:30 PM–8:30 PM.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Meera Krishnan, MBBS, MS (Ophthalmology) —
Appointments
Plan your visit.
Mon–Sat, 5:30 PM–8:30 PM.