Macular Laser for Central Serous Retinopathy

Mr. Shantanu Gudsoorkar, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, Taunton, UK / Patient Resources / Ophthalmology / Ophthalmology Procedures / Macular Laser for Central Serous Retinopathy

What is Macular Laser for Central Serous Retinopathy?

Laser treatment is considered to restore vision if central serous retinopathy does not resolve in 2-3 months and there are recurrent episodes of retinal detachment (detachment of the retina from its underlying layers of tissue). The macular laser treats the area of fluid leakage, retinal pigment epithelium or RPE, and is performed if the defective area is located away from the centre of the retina.

Laser treatment speeds up the healing process, reduces the duration of the focal (central) retinal detachment and decreases the recurrence of the condition.

Procedure of Macular Laser for Central Serous Retinopathy

A macular laser is performed under local anaesthesia and eye drops are instilled to dilate the pupil, after which the doctor focuses the laser beams at the defective area to seal the leak identified on the fluorescein angiogram. This procedure uses heat from the laser to seal the leakage area and create a scar (tiny burn). Laser treatment aims to stop the leakage, resulting in the resolution of the fluid beneath the retina and thereby improving vision. It takes about 3-6 months to notice a significant change in the vision following the treatment.

Post-surgery, some patients report their vision away from the centre is somewhat reduced in the treated eye and some patients may notice small dots in their vision or poorer vision in the dark. Most patients, however, regain 20/20 vision.

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