Laser Therapy for Retinal Tears

Laser therapy may be used to seal a retinal tear in the back half of the eye. 

This treatment takes about 15-30 minutes. Your vision is checked, and the affected eye is dilated. Drops are used to numb the front of the eye. The doctor then uses a laser to treat the area around the tear. This is done from either a device they wear on their head or through a machine on which you place your chin using a lens placed on your eye. A flash of light occurs as each laser burn is placed to seal the retina around the tear. Many burns are placed on the retina. The number depends on the size of the tear. 

During the laser treatment, some of the burns may cause pain, but most patients say the pain is mild. Tell the doctor if the pain is more than mild. After the treatment, ask your doctor if there are any physical restrictions. There may be some mild pain or aching, like a headache. You can use acetaminophen if needed. For the next few days, your vision may be blurred, and you may feel like you are seeing lights.

Who to Call

University Station Eye Clinic, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (608) 263-7171.

When the clinic is closed, your call will be forwarded to the hospital paging operator. Ask for the “Eye Resident on Call.” Give the operator your name and phone number with area code. The doctor will call you back.

Toll free- 1-800-323-8942 and ask to be transferred to the above number.

Please call if you have any questions or concerns.