Laser Surgery for Age-Related Macular Degeneration

What is laser surgery for age-related macular degeneration?

Laser surgery is a treatment that can sometimes be used to slow down the loss of vision resulting from the wet form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is a disease that damages the macula, the central part of the vision responsible for fine details. The wet form of AMD occurs when new, fragile blood vessels grow under the macula and leak blood and fluid and cause scarring. This can cause rapid vision loss. If these blood vessels are not located under the very center of the macula, laser treatment can be used to seal the blood vessels, which can decrease the chance of vision loss.

If your blood vessels are growing under the center or very close to the center of your macula, your eye doctor may recommend a "cold laser" treatment, also called photodynamic therapy. The regular "hot laser" treatment destroys the blood vessels and tissue nearby. The cold laser may be able to destroy the vessels without hurting the nearby tissue.

Your doctor may inject a medicine into the eye that can shrink the blood vessels and decrease the leakage from the vessels. This is a new treatment.

How do I prepare for laser surgery?

Follow the doctor's instructions. Plan for your care and recovery after the operation. You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home.

What happens during the procedure?

Your doctor dilates your pupil with eyedrops. Then he or she puts drops of anesthetic in your eye to numb it. Sometimes your doctor will give you an injection around the eye to numb the eye more. Then, using special instruments, your doctor will use a laser on the blood vessels.

What happens after the procedure?

You can go home after the procedure, but someone should go home with you. Your vision may be poor for a few hours after the procedure. Ask your doctor what other steps you should take and when you should come back for a checkup.

What are the benefits of this procedure?

The loss of central vision may be slowed down.

What are the risks associated with this procedure?

• The laser may further damage the macula, resulting in some loss of vision and possibly a permanent blind spot. This is especially true if the leaking blood vessels are very close to or in the very center of the macula.
• The problem blood vessels may come back even after a successful laser treatment.

You should ask your doctor how these risks apply to you.

When should I call the doctor?

Call the doctor immediately if your vision suddenly gets worse or you develop a new distortion of vision.