Farvardin Eye Center

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Retinal PDT

PDT is a two-step treatment primarily used for certain types of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). First, a light-activated drug called verteporfin is infused into a vein in your arm over about 10 minutes. Second, about 15 minutes after the infusion starts, your doctor will shine a non-thermal ("cold") red laser directly onto the leaky blood vessels in your macula for some seconds. The laser activates the drug only in that precise area, causing the abnormal vessels to seal without damaging the overlying retina. The laser itself is not hot and is not felt by the patient.

Laser

Retinal BL

A Barrier Laser is used to treat retinal tears, holes, or areas of significant thinning to prevent retinal detachment. After dilating and numbing your eye, your doctor will place a contact lens. The laser is applied in a pattern of small burns that surround the tear or weak area. These burns create gentle scar tissue that "spot-welds" or "fences off" the problem area, sealing it to the back wall of the eye and preventing fluid from getting underneath to cause a detachment. The procedure typically takes 5-15 minutes. You will see bright flashes and may feel a slight pulsing sensation.

Laser

YAG PI

This procedure is performed to treat or prevent angle-closure glaucoma. You will sit at the slit lamp after numbing drops are applied. Your doctor will place a special contact lens on your eye to focus the YAG laser. The laser creates one or two microscopic holes in the colored part of your eye (the iris). These holes create a new drainage pathway for the eye's fluid, bypassing a narrow or blocked natural angle. This lowers eye pressure and prevents a sudden, sight-threatening pressure spike (acute angle-closure attack). You may hear a clicking sound and feel a slight pinch or sting with each laser pulse.

Laser

YAG Capsulotomy

This is a quick, painless procedure done in your doctor's office. You will sit at a machine called a slit lamp, much like during a regular eye exam. Your doctor will place special eye drops to numb your eye and may use a lens to focus. The YAG laser is then used to create a small, clear opening in the cloudy membrane (posterior capsule) that sits behind your artificial lens implant. This cloudiness is a common occurrence months or years after cataract surgery. The laser uses focused light energy to vaporize a tiny area of the cloudiness without making any incision. The entire process takes only a few minutes.

Laser

Retinal PRP

PRP is a treatment for severe diabetic retinopathy or retinal vein occlusions. Its goal is to shrink abnormal, leaky blood vessels and reduce the risk of bleeding and retinal detachment. The procedure is done with numbing drops and taking painkiller medication to ensure comfort. Your doctor will place a contact lens on your eye. The laser (usually green or yellow) is applied to the peripheral retina (the sides), creating hundreds of tiny, patterned burns. These burns reduce the retina's demand for oxygen, which signals the abnormal vessels to regress. Treatment is typically spread over two or more sessions, each lasting 10-20 minutes, as your doctor plans. You will see bright flashes of light and may feel a dull ache or tapping sensation.