Retinal Tear Treatment with Argon Laser

Argon Laser: Non-Surgical, Sutureless Treatment for Retinal Tears

Sudden flashes of light, floating black spots, or narrowing of the visual field may be a sign of retinal detachment. Retinal tears that can lead to retinal detachment and permanent vision loss can be treated without surgery or stitches with the Argon Laser Photocoagulation method before detachment develops. With the Argon Laser method, whose reliability has been proven by clinical data, targeted treatment is provided directly without damaging the front segment of the eye.

Argon laser treatments are performed in the Eye Diseases Department of Daviva Health Group with our experienced academic staff.

You can find answers to all the questions you may have, such as “Does argon laser treatment completely cure retinal detachment?” and “Is there pain during the argon laser procedure?” in our article.

What Is Argon Laser Treatment?

Argon laser treatment is a non-invasive (not requiring a surgical incision) treatment method used especially in the management of retinal diseases and glaucoma, repairing tissues through high-energy blue-green light beams. Also known in modern medicine as "laser photocoagulation," this procedure uses focused light energy to create thermal (heat) effects at a microscopic level and acts as a kind of "laser scalpel" or "welding machine."

How Does Argon Laser Work?

Argon laser is a concentrated beam of blue-green (488-514 nm) wavelength light obtained from excited argon gas atoms.

The greatest advantage of argon laser is its tissue-selective property. The laser light passes through transparent structures in the front part of the eye, such as the cornea, lens, and intraocular fluid, without causing any damage.
This feature allows direct access from the outside to the target area in the posterior segment (retina) without the need to enter the eye with a surgical incision.
A physical energy transformation occurs at the point where the light meets the tissue.
Laser energy is highly absorbed by pigmented cells in the retina and red hemoglobin in the blood.
The absorbed light energy instantly turns into controlled heat. This heat changes the structure of tissue proteins and creates microscopic coagulation. In the medical literature, this is defined as the "controlled destruction of tissue to achieve a beneficial outcome."

In Which Eye Diseases Is Argon Laser Used?

Retinal Detachment and Retinal Tears

It is one of the most critical uses of argon laser. The tissue is fixed to the underlying layer by spot-welding around tears in the retina.

The goal is to prevent retinal detachment, which requires urgent surgery, by stopping fluid from leaking through the tear.

Diabetic Retinopathy (Eye Damage Due to Diabetes)

Argon laser can be used in the treatment of vascular abnormalities seen in patients with diabetes. .

Areas of the retina deprived of oxygen are treated with laser to prevent the formation of abnormal new blood vessels that cause vision loss. In addition, leaking capillaries are sealed to reduce the risk of bleeding and edema.

Glaucoma (Eye Pressure)

Argon laser may be used to lower intraocular pressure and facilitate fluid drainage.

Retinal Vascular Diseases

The argon laser method may be used in the management of blockages in the eye vessels and the complications that develop as a result.

It is effective in treating edema and new vessel formation caused by vascular occlusion.

To stop fluid leakage accumulating under the retina, the leakage point is sealed with laser.

Macular Degeneration (Age-Related Macular Degeneration)

In certain cases, it may be preferred to destroy abnormal blood vessels that damage central vision and to stop bleeding.

What Are the Advantages of Argon Laser Treatment?

Argon laser allows targeted treatment of micro areas. Thanks to the localized and intense light beam, only the diseased area is treated while damage to adjacent healthy tissues is prevented.
It is a treatment method that does not require surgery, stitches, or incisions. It is generally painless and allows patients to quickly return to their daily activities.
Clinical studies show that argon laser treatment applied to retinal tears and holes has a very high success rate in preventing retinal detachment.
In cases of diabetic retinopathy, it can reduce the risk of vision loss by its ability to stop bleeding and improve retinal blood flow.
It is effective in the management of vascular diseases with its ability to seal leaking microaneurysms and abnormal blood vessels.
The laser light passes safely through the cornea and lens. In this way, it does not cause permanent damage to the tissues.
Compared with traditional surgical techniques, the risk of infection is much lower.
It is successfully used not only in retinal diseases but also in lowering intraocular pressure in glaucoma and as an adjunctive treatment in some eyelid lesions.

Risks and Side Effects of Argon Laser Treatment

Due to dilation of the pupil and exposure to the laser’s bright light, it is normal to experience blurred vision after the procedure, which may last for several hours.
In the first hours after the procedure, increased sensitivity to light and flashes of light in front of the eyes may be seen.
A mild stinging or tearing sensation in the eye may occur due to the contact lens used during the procedure.

These problems usually resolve on their own shortly after the procedure. In addition to these complaints after Argon Laser treatment;

In broad-area laser applications related to diabetes, mild narrowing of side vision may occur.
In some patients, a longer adaptation time to darkness or reduced night vision may be seen.
Argon Laser treatment may rarely cause temporary fluid accumulation in the macula.
Especially when high-intensity laser energy is used, there is a risk of forming a very thin membrane on the macula.
Especially after glaucoma procedures, a sudden increase in eye pressure may be seen. Therefore, pressure is monitored for 1-2 hours after the procedure.
In cases of incorrect focusing, temporary corneal burns or iris damage may occur. However, scientific studies show that with the correct dosage, corneal cells and lens clarity remain safe.
In patients who undergo many sessions or whose diabetes is not under control, the development of cataracts may accelerate.

It should be remembered that when performed by specialist physicians with the right technological equipment, the risk of these complications is quite low.

How Is Argon Laser Treatment Performed?

Preparations Before the Procedure

Before starting argon laser treatment, the patient’s visual acuity is measured. Intraocular pressure is checked. The leakage or tear points to be treated with laser are identified precisely.
In patients with ocular hypertension, protective drops are instilled 30-60 minutes before the procedure to prevent a rise in pressure after treatment.
For retinal procedures, dilating drops are used, while for iridoplasty, constricting drops are applied to tense the iris.
In patients with dry eye complaints, surface health is brought under control.
Before the procedure, the patient is reminded that the goal is not to improve vision, but to preserve the current vision.

Argon Laser Procedure Process

The procedure is usually performed in an outpatient setting, in a special laser room.
The surface of the eye is completely numbed with anesthetic drops. The patient is seated with the chin and forehead resting against the supports of the device. Keeping the head still is vital for millimetric precision.
A special contact lens is placed on the eye to keep the eyelids open and to focus the laser beam precisely on the target point.
The doctor determines the area to be treated using a red "aiming laser" that does not damage tissue.
Millisecond, intense blue-green light pulses are emitted from the device.
During this time, the patient sees bright flashes of light.
A sensation usually described as a "mosquito bite" or mild stinging occurs. As the number of pulses increases, this discomfort may increase slightly.
Argon Laser treatment takes 10-20 minutes on average.

Things to Consider After Argon Laser Treatment

After argon laser treatment, it usually takes 1-2 weeks to return completely to normal. For a healthy recovery process, the things to keep in mind after argon laser treatment can be listed as follows.

The effect of the pupil-dilating drops used during the procedure may last 6-12 hours. Since vision will be blurred and light sensitivity will continue, driving should not be done on the day of the procedure.
Sunglasses should be worn outdoors to manage light sensitivity and protect the eyes from UV rays.
Do not put pressure on or rub your eyes for at least one week. Rubbing may disrupt the sensitive laser-treated area or lead to infection.
For the first few days, care should be taken to prevent water, soap, or shampoo from getting into the eye. In addition, eye makeup should not be used for at least 1-2 weeks to reduce the risk of infection.
To prevent infection and reduce possible edema, the prescribed steroid or antibiotic drops should be used meticulously according to the schedule given by the doctor.
For the first 48 hours after the procedure, strenuous eye-straining activities such as heavy screen use and prolonged reading should be limited.
To prevent sudden increases in intraocular pressure, heavy lifting, bending, and strenuous exercise requiring straining should be avoided for the first week.
Dusty, smoky, or excessively windy environments should be avoided.
Patients treated for diabetic retinopathy need to control their blood sugar levels very closely. Persistently high blood sugar may increase the risk of edema developing in the retina after laser treatment.

When Should You See a Doctor for Argon Laser Treatment?

A curtain-like shadow in vision
Flashes of light
Increase in floating objects in front of the eyes
Sudden vision loss
Symptoms such as severe eye pain and blurred vision may indicate serious conditions such as retinal tear, detachment, or an acute glaucoma attack.
Even if there are no complaints, it is important for patients with diabetes to have a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year to detect new vessel formation in the retina or macular edema early.
In patients whose eye pressure cannot be controlled despite medication and when the goal is to reduce medication use, Argon Laser application may be considered.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ARGON LASER

Does argon laser treatment completely cure retinal detachment?

The success of argon laser depends on the stage at which the disease is detected.

Argon laser has a very high success rate in preventing retinal detachment rather than curing it. Scientific studies show a success rate of nearly 90% in preventing retinal tears and holes from turning into a full detachment.
In small and limited areas of retinal detachment, the spread of fluid can be stopped by building a barrier around the area with laser. In such cases, recovery can be achieved without the need for surgery.
If the retinal detachment has expanded, become bullous, or affected the center of vision, argon laser alone is not sufficient. At this stage, surgical interventions such as vitrectomy or scleral buckling are necessary.
Argon Laser fixes the retina to the underlying tissue by spot-welding. However, this procedure does not eliminate the traction force of the vitreous gel inside the eye that caused the tear.
Even after a successful laser application, new tears may develop in a different part of the eye. Research shows that approximately 20% of patients who receive laser treatment may need additional laser sessions or surgical intervention later on.

Argon laser can be considered a complete treatment when it catches retinal detachment before it develops and eliminates the risk of blindness. However, in cases where full detachment has already developed, laser is used as an adjunct to surgery.

Is there pain during or after the Argon Laser procedure?

Argon laser treatment is generally a well-tolerated procedure performed in an outpatient setting without the need for a surgical incision. Pain and discomfort vary depending on the treated area and the energy level used.

Anesthetic drops instilled in the eye before the procedure greatly eliminate the sensation of pain.
Most patients do not feel severe pain. However, during the laser pulses, short-lasting sensations such as mild stinging, soreness, pinpricks, or a small electric shock may occur in the eye.
The special contact lens placed on the eye to focus the laser beam precisely may create a mild feeling of pressure or fullness on the eyeball.
The very short laser pulses used in next-generation devices significantly reduce pain compared with traditional methods.
Sensitivity may be somewhat greater when treating the front parts of the retina or in broad-area procedures performed for diabetes.
If the pigment density in the background of the eye is high, more laser energy will be absorbed, and the discomfort may increase slightly.
Sensitivity may change in eyes that have previously undergone many laser sessions.
It is normal to experience a mild headache, itching, dryness, or a foreign body sensation in the eye during the first hours after treatment.
These discomforts are usually temporary and disappear completely within 1-2 days.
Simple pain relievers are usually sufficient for mild headaches or soreness that may occur after the procedure.
In rare cases, if the patient is too sensitive to tolerate the pain, the doctor may use additional anesthesia methods.

Argon laser treatment is not a painful procedure. The vast majority of patients describe it only as mild discomfort and are able to leave the clinic on their own as soon as the session is over.

Does laser treatment increase visual acuity?

Argon laser treatment is based on preserving what is there first. However, the results may vary depending on the type of disease.

The primary role of argon laser is not to improve vision, but to stabilize the current level of vision and prevent the disease from worsening.
In cases such as Central Serous Chorioretinopathy, when the leakage point under the retina is sealed with laser, the fluid is absorbed and this may directly increase visual acuity.
In some diseases such as diabetic macular edema, sealing leaking vessels prevents further swelling of the retina and helps preserve vision in the long term.

Argon laser treatment is not an operation to get rid of glasses or perfect vision. It is a medical intervention that addresses problems inside the eye and preserves the current visual condition.

How many sessions are required?

The number of sessions varies depending on the type and extent of the disease. A small retinal tear can be closed in a single session. In diabetes-related conditions, it may be divided into 3 or 4 sessions so as not to strain the eye.