Diabetic retinopathy: Difference between revisions

Before using the laser, the ophthalmologist dilates the pupil and applies [[anaesthetic]] drops to numb the eye. In some cases, the doctor also may numb the area behind the eye to reduce discomfort. The patient sits facing the laser machine while the doctor holds a special lens on the eye. The physician can use a single spot laser, a pattern scan laser for two dimensional patterns such as squares, rings and arcs, or a navigated laser which works by tracking retinal eye movements in real time.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Amoroso F, Pedinielli A, Astroz P, Semoun O, Capuano V, Miere A, Souied EH | title = Comparison of pain experience and time required for pre-planned navigated peripheral laser versus conventional multispot laser in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy | journal = Acta Diabetologica | volume = 57 | issue = 5 | pages = 535–541 | date = May 2020 | pmid = 31749047 | doi = 10.1007/s00592-019-01455-x | s2cid = 208172191 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Chhablani J, Mathai A, Rani P, Gupta V, Arevalo JF, Kozak I | title = Comparison of conventional pattern and novel navigated panretinal photocoagulation in proliferative diabetic retinopathy | journal = Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science | volume = 55 | issue = 6 | pages = 3432–3438 | date = May 2014 | pmid = 24787564 | doi = 10.1167/iovs.14-13936 | doi-access = free }}</ref> During the procedure, the patient will see flashes of light. These flashes often create an uncomfortable stinging sensation for the patient. After the laser treatment, patients should be advised not to drive for a few hours while the pupils are still dilated. Vision will most likely remain blurry for the rest of the day. Though there should not be much pain in the eye itself, an [[ice-cream headache]] like pain may last for hours afterwards.