About Laser Photocoagulation
Key Highlights
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Minimally invasive procedure with no surgical incisions.Effectively prevents progression of sight-threatening conditions like diabetic retinopathy.Performed as an outpatient procedure, usually allowing same-day return home.Targeted treatment that spares surrounding healthy retinal tissue.Helps seal retinal tears to prevent retinal detachment.Can reduce abnormal blood vessel growth and stop leakage in the macula./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Diabetic retinopathy, especially proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and diabetic macular edema (DME).
- Retinal tears or holes to prevent retinal detachment.
- Certain types of retinal vein occlusions (branch or central).
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), specifically for some cases of wet AMD.
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in infants.
- Peripheral retinal degenerations that are at high risk for causing tears.
How to prepare
- A comprehensive dilated eye exam and imaging tests (like OCT or fluorescein angiography) to map the treatment area.
- Discussion of medical history, current medications, and any allergies with the ophthalmologist.
- You may be advised to arrange for transportation home, as your vision will be blurry post-procedure.
- Pupil dilation drops will be administered before the procedure begins.
- Typically, no fasting is required unless sedation is planned.
- Informed consent detailing the procedure's benefits and risks will be obtained.
Risks & possible complications
- Temporary blurred vision or sensitivity to light after the procedure.
- Minor discomfort or a feeling of pressure during the laser application.
- Potential for decreased night vision or peripheral (side) vision.
- Rare risk of accidental laser burn to a critical area like the fovea (central vision point).
- Inflammation or increased pressure inside the eye.
- Bleeding or infection, though this is very uncommon.
- Possibility of the condition requiring additional treatment sessions.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Vision will be blurry for a few hours due to the dilation drops; avoid driving.
- You may experience mild discomfort, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers if approved by your doctor.
- Use prescribed anti-inflammatory eye drops as directed to manage swelling.
- Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, or rubbing your eye for a few days.
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from bright light as they may be sensitive.
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor healing and treatment effectiveness.
- Report any severe pain, sudden vision loss, or increased floaters to your ophthalmologist immediately.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (Outpatient)
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Expected recovery time: 1-2 weeks for initial healing; full stabilization may take several weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering laser photocoagulation in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for laser photocoagulation in India include Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Manipal Hospital Goa , known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform laser photocoagulation. MediFyr helps you compare ophthalmologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for laser photocoagulation compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 5 Thousand – 25 Thousand | 0 days (Outpatient) | ~ 1-2 weeks for initial healing; full stabilization may take several weeks | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 17.5 Thousand – 87.5 Thousand | 0 days (Outpatient) | ~ 1-2 weeks for initial healing; full stabilization may take several weeks | Know More |
Top hospitals for Laser Photocoagulation in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated ophthalmology teams and experience managing patients undergoing laser photocoagulation.
Michael Verma, 58, is a senior...
Michael Verma, 58, is a senior accountant who has managed type 2 diabetes for 12 years. Despite his best efforts, his blood sugar control has been variable. Over the past six months, he noticed his central vision becoming blurry and distorted, making it difficult to read financial reports and recognize faces. An urgent visit to his ophthalmologist revealed proliferative diabetic retinopathy with significant new blood vessel growth in his right eye, posing a high risk for a catastrophic bleed or retinal detachment. The doctor recommended immediate pan-retinal photocoagulation to ablate the peripheral retina, reducing its oxygen demand and stopping the abnormal vessel growth. During the procedure, Michael felt only mild pressure and saw bright flashes of light. The recovery involved several days of light sensitivity and a noticeable permanent reduction in his peripheral and night vision. Emotionally, he was terrified of going blind and felt he had failed in managing his diabetes. After treatment, while mourning the loss of some visual field, he felt profound relief. The procedure stabilized his condition, saving his central vision and allowing him to continue his career and daily life, giving him a renewed sense of control and gratitude.
Ophthalmologists for Laser Photocoagulation
Explore experienced ophthalmologists who regularly perform laser photocoagulation and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 21 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 27 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 5 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 28 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
- 28 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 23 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 19 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
- 15 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 12 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 9 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 20 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 9 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Ranchi, Ranchi
- 16 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 13 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist