Special Laser Treatment to Protect Your Eyes

Laser photocoagulation is a medical procedure that uses a very strong beam of light to treat specific parts of the back of your eye, called the retina. The light from the laser creates tiny, helpful scars. These scars act like “spot welds” to fix or seal damaged parts of the eye. This high-tech method allows our expert doctors at RVSU to fix eye problems exactly where they start without needing a major surgery.

By closing leaking blood vessels or fixing weak spots, this treatment is a main way to stop vision loss before it gets worse. Because many eye problems need to be fixed quickly, using the laser early can prevent serious issues, like bleeding inside the eye or the retina pulling away from the back of the eye.

90% Success Rate

Laser treatment is over 90% effective at preventing vision loss from retinal tears when caught early.

30-Minute Procedure

Most laser sessions are completed in under 30 minutes, allowing you to get back to your life quickly.

No Hospital Stay

This is an in-office procedure, meaning no general anesthesia or overnight hospital visits are required.

When Do Doctors Use Laser Therapy?

Our specialists might use this laser treatment to help with these problems:

  • Diabetic Eye Disease: To shrink weak, leaky blood vessels that are at a high risk of bleeding.
  • Tears in the Retina: To seal the edges of a tiny tear so fluid doesn’t get under it and cause the retina to peel off.
  • Swelling in the Center of Vision: To close specific leaking vessels that make your central vision look blurry or wavy.
  • Blocked Blood Vessels: To help with the side effects of a “stroke” in the eye, which can cause fluid to build up.
  • Thin Spots in the Eye: To strengthen areas where the retina is getting thin and might tear.

How Well Does the Treatment Work?

In many cases, like fixing a tear in the retina, the laser treatment is permanent. It provides a lifelong “weld” to keep the eye tissue strong. This procedure has an exceptionally high success rate in preventing a full retinal detachment, often saving patients from much more invasive surgical interventions later. For patients with ongoing problems like diabetes, the laser helps keep the eye stable, serving as a gold standard for long-term vision stabilization. While you will still need regular checkups to watch for any new changes, this treatment helps preserve your independence by stopping damage before it spreads. During your visit, we will give you a personal plan to ensure your eye health remains a top priority.

What to Expect Before the Procedure

Diabetic retinopathy often has no symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage. Contact our office right away if you notice any of the following.

01

Talk and Checkup
We look at your symptoms and health history to make sure the laser is the best choice for you.

02

Eye Drops
We use special drops to make your pupils large (dilate them). This gives our doctors a clear view of the area that needs treatment.

03

Numbing
We put numbing drops in your eye so you won’t feel pain during the treatment. Most of our patients say it is very easy.

04

A Ride Home
Because the laser light and the eye drops will make your vision dark or blurry for a little while, you will need a friend or family member to drive you home.

Care After Your Treatment

After your session, you might see a colorful “after-image” (like when someone takes a picture with a flash) or feel like the room is a bit dim. This usually goes away in a few hours. Most people go back to their normal day by tomorrow. However, if you were treated for a tear in your retina, we might ask you not to do heavy lifting or hard exercise for a few days. It is very important to come to your follow-up appointments to make sure your eye is healing perfectly.

Our Specialists

All four of our physicians are board-certified ophthalmologists with fellowship training in vitreoretinal surgery.

Trust the Eye Experts of Utah

Retina and Vitreous Surgeons of Utah is here to give you the best care possible. Our doctors are experts at using laser technology to fix complex eye problems with care and precision. If you have noticed any changes in how you see, or if you were told you need eye treatment, please schedule a visit at one of our offices. We are here to keep your vision safe.

Find an RVSU Location Near You

See all of our convenient locations across Utah.