laserfotocoagulatie

Laser photocoagulation, or laserfotocoagulatie, is a medical procedure used in ophthalmology to treat retinal diseases by applying focused laser energy to retinal tissue. The laser induces small, precise burns that coagulate proteins in the targeted areas. This controlled damage reduces leakage from diseased vessels, decreases retinal edema, and suppresses abnormal new vessel growth, helping to stabilize or preserve vision. The technique began with early retinal laser experiments in the 1960s and has evolved with various wavelengths and delivery methods, with argon and diode lasers remaining common choices.

There are two main approaches: panretinal photocoagulation (PRP), applied to the peripheral retina to lower metabolic demand and reduce neovascularization in proliferative diabetic retinopathy; and focal or grid photocoagulation, applied to leaking microaneurysms or macular edema to seal vessels and reduce edema. Photocoagulation can also be used for retinal tears prophylaxis or lattice degeneration and, historically, for certain choroidal neovascularizations.

The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia and pupil dilation. A laser instrument delivers short, precise burns through the pupil, often guided by scleral contact lenses. Typical recovery is quick, though patients may experience temporary blurred vision or sensitivity to light.

Risks include worsening of central or peripheral vision, scotomas, infection, scarring, and accidental damage to the fovea or surrounding tissue. In modern practice, laser photocoagulation remains an important option, sometimes used in combination with intravitreal injections or other therapies, particularly in diabetic eye disease and retinal vein occlusions.