Preliminary results showed that laser photocoagulation produced resolution of drusen associated with modestly improved visual acuity and contrast sensitivity. Compared with untreated eyes or eyes that did not achieve this extent of drusen resolution, eyes with reduced drusen had slightly better visual function. Drusen before laser. Drusen may resolve after laser, as occurred in this patient. Laser photocoagulation for dry age-related macular degeneration is not recommended, pending results of large, randomized prospective studies such as the CAPT study.
Laser photocoagulation is the main way that the wet form of macular degeneration is treated.
A laser is an instrument that produces a pure, high-intensity beam of light energy. The laser light can be focused onto the retina, selectively treating the desired area while leaving the surrounding tissues untouched. The absorbed energy heats, or photocoagulates, the retina creating a microscopic spot. Dry laser scar following successful laser photocoagulation surgery. Laser surgery is performed in our office while you are awake and comfortable.