Have you noticed blurred vision, dark spots, or sudden flashes of light affecting your sight? At New York Retina Center, Dr. Brandon Johnson offers advanced retinal laser treatments to stop bleeding, seal weak vessels, and protect your vision, helping you see clearly again and prevent serious vision loss with compassionate, expert care.
Restore Retinal Health Using Light Therapy
Retinal laser treatments are minimally invasive procedures that use focused light energy to repair or prevent damage to the retina, the delicate tissue responsible for sharp, central vision. These treatments seal leaking blood vessels, reduce swelling, and stop abnormal vessel growth that can threaten sight. Commonly used for conditions like diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears, or retinal vein occlusion, laser therapy helps preserve existing vision and prevent vision loss.
Retinal Laser Treatments Can Treat These Symptoms:
- Blurred or distorted vision caused by retinal swelling
- Dark or empty spots in your central or peripheral vision
- Sudden flashes of light or new floaters in your visual field
- Gradual vision loss from leaking or abnormal blood vessels
- Difficulty focusing or reading due to macular changes
- Visual disturbances linked to diabetic or vascular eye disease
When Are Retinal Laser Treatments Indicated?
The retina is a thin, light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye responsible for capturing images. When this delicate tissue becomes damaged or develops abnormal blood vessels, it can threaten your vision. Laser therapy helps seal, shrink, or repair these areas.
Retinal laser treatments are commonly indicated for conditions such as:
- Diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema
- Retinal vein occlusion with fluid leakage or bleeding
- Retinal tears or small detachments
- Macular edema from vascular disorders
Types of Retinal Laser Treatments Performed
Focal Laser Photocoagulation
Focal laser photocoagulation targets small, specific areas of the retina where fluid or blood is leaking from damaged vessels, often due to diabetic macular edema or retinal vein occlusion. Using the Iridex Argon laser, Dr. Johnson directs tiny bursts of light energy onto these leaking spots. The heat from the laser seals the blood vessels and reduces swelling, preventing further fluid buildup. By stabilizing the macula, the area responsible for sharp central vision, this procedure helps preserve visual clarity and prevent progressive vision loss.
Pan-Retinal Photocoagulation
Pan-retinal photocoagulation (PRP) is used when abnormal blood vessels begin growing on the retina, a condition known as proliferative diabetic retinopathy. These vessels form due to a lack of oxygen in the retina and can bleed, leading to scar tissue. Dr. Johnson applies hundreds of small laser spots across the peripheral retina to reduce oxygen demand, slowing or stopping abnormal vessel growth. Though it may slightly narrow peripheral or night vision, PRP is highly effective in preventing severe bleeding and retinal detachment.
Benefits of Retinal Laser Treatments:
- Performed safely and comfortably in the office with minimal downtime
- Prevents further vision loss by sealing leaking or damaged vessels
- Reduces retinal swelling and preserves sharp central vision
- Stabilizes or improves sight in diabetic and vascular eye diseases
- Decreases the risk of retinal detachment or severe bleeding
- Provides long-term control of chronic retinal conditions
What Happens During Retinal Laser Treatments?
During your retinal laser treatment, you’ll sit comfortably as your pupil is dilated and a numbing drop is applied to prevent discomfort. Dr. Johnson places a special lens on your eye to focus the laser on the affected area of your retina. Controlled pulses of light energy are delivered to seal leaking vessels, reduce swelling, or prevent abnormal growth. The procedure is completed within minutes, and you can return home the same day with minimal downtime.
What is the Recovery Process After Retinal Laser Treatments?
After your retinal laser treatment, you may experience mild eye discomfort, light sensitivity, or blurred vision for a few hours as your eye adjusts. These side effects are temporary and usually resolve within a day or two. Most patients resume normal activities quickly, though Dr. Johnson may recommend avoiding strenuous activity for a short period. Your vision may take time to stabilize as the retina heals, and follow-up visits are essential to monitor your progress.
Schedule Your Consultation
New York Retina Center is a leading destination for advanced retinal care under the expert guidance of Dr. Brandon Johnson, our board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained retina specialist. With 15+ years of experience and training from top institutions like Wills Eye Institute and Emory University, Dr. Johnson provides compassionate, precise laser treatments tailored to your needs. If you’re experiencing vision changes, schedule your consultation to learn how retinal laser treatments in Manhattan can help protect your sight.
