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.
Before procedure
Arrange for a ride home, as your pupil will be dilated.
No special dietary restrictions are usually needed. Inform your doctor of all medications, especially if you take blood thinners.
After procedure
Your vision will be blurry from the dilation and you may see the pattern of laser spots (like an afterimage) for a few hours or days.
The eye may feel irritated or scratchy.
Use prescribed anti-inflammatory eye drops.
You may be advised to avoid very strenuous activity or heavy lifting for a week or two to allow the scar tissue to form securely.
Complication and alarm signs
This is a very safe preventative procedure. Complications are rare but can include bleeding, increased eye pressure, or inadvertent laser burns to the central vision area. The laser can sometimes fail to prevent detachment if new tears form.
This is critically important: The laser does not fix floaters or flashes caused by the initial vitreous tugging. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience: A sudden, significant increase in floaters, new flashes of light, or any new shadow, curtain, or gray area in your peripheral vision, as these are signs of a new tear or detachment.