Complications of Laser Photocoagulations
ü Retinal vein occlusion can follow inadvertent photocoagulation o of a retinal vein. Rarely, there may be loss of central acuity from inadvertent pho photocoagulation of the fovea.
ü Vitreous haemorrhage can follow photocoagulation of retinal or choroidal vessels.
ü There may be visual field restriction, decreased contrast sensitivity, night vision or impaired colour vision.
ü Visual field constriction may impair fitness to drive although ophthalmologists increasingly strive to avoid this most undesirable problem, for example by avoiding confluent laser burns.
ü Headache can sometimes follow laser therapy. The headache is usually relieved with rest and simple analgesia. Glaucoma must be excluded if the headache is severe or persistent.
ü Vitreous haemorrhage can follow photocoagulation of retinal or choroidal vessels.
ü There may be visual field restriction, decreased contrast sensitivity, night vision or impaired colour vision.
ü Visual field constriction may impair fitness to drive although ophthalmologists increasingly strive to avoid this most undesirable problem, for example by avoiding confluent laser burns.
ü Headache can sometimes follow laser therapy. The headache is usually relieved with rest and simple analgesia. Glaucoma must be excluded if the headache is severe or persistent.
- compiled & published by Dr Dhaval Patel MD AIIMS
