RETINAL LASER SURGERY OR ARGON PHOTOCOAGULATION

Transcription

1 RETINAL LASER SURGERY OR ARGON PHOTOCOAGULATION

2 If you cannot come to your appointment, please call us at least 24 hours before at Failure to notify us will result in a $50 fee being charged. The Institut de l œil des Laurentides 4800, rue Ambroise-Lafortune Boisbriand, Québec J7H 1S6 Telephone: ŒIL (6345) or ŒIL (6345) Fax: YEUX (9389) institutdeloeil.com RETINAL LASER SURGERY OR ARGON PHOTOCOAGULATION DEFINITION The argon laser is a high-intensity coloured light that is directed onto the retina. When it reaches the retina, the light is transformed into concentrated heat used to perform the treatment. THE ARGON LASER IS USED TO: Destroy abnormal blood vessels and tissues. Reduce swelling. Strengthen the edges of fragile areas. The Institut de l œil des Laurentides is a Specialized Medical Centre accredited for a second consecutive time with the highest distinction from Accreditation Canada: Accredited with Exemplary Standing. The accreditation process serves to evaluate and improve the quality and safety of the health care delivered and to standardize policies and procedures.

3 CONDITIONS TREATED BY ARGON LASER ARE: Diabetic retinopathy. Macular edema. Macular degeneration. Venal thrombosis. Central serous retinopathy. Retinal tear or fragile retinal areas. REMEMBER THAT: The purpose of using an argon laser is to stabilize and improve vision or prevent vision loss. Response to treatment varies with each person. Depending on the cause, failure to treat your problem may lead to partial or complete vision loss. Complications following use of the argon laser are rare. PROCEDURE: A staff member will explain the treatment and have you sign a consent form. Don t hesitate to ask questions. Several drops will be instilled to your eye to dilate your pupil (approximately 25 minutes). A drop of solution or, more rarely, an injection in the lower eyelid will be used to anesthetise your eye. You will be seated at the argon laser where the ophthalmologist will perform the treatment. There is little or no pain during treatment. Glare is frequent.

4 AFTER THE TREATMENT: Resume activities as soon as you feel able. If you have been treated for a retinal tear, remain quiet for as long as possible and follow the special instructions that you are given. If you are prescribed drops, have the prescription filled at your pharmacy. If you feel a headache coming on, take your usual analgesics. If your eye is bandaged, wait 6 hours before removing the bandage or remove it the next day. Dilation of the pupil usually lasts 6 to 12 hours and temporarily causes blurred vision. If both eyes are treated at the same time, wait until the next day before driving. Wear sunglasses, as needed. Another appointment will be scheduled, if necessary. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS: Temporary: Glare or ocular discomfort lasting 15 minutes (rarely a few weeks). Decreased vision for a few hours or days (rare). Difficulty focusing up close for a few weeks. Headache for a few hours (rarely more than two days, especially if you have had an injection). Permanent: Decreased vision. Decreased peripheral vision field. Colour vision affected. Note: Permanent side effects are rare and occur mostly with repeated treatments or large retinal tears. EMERGENCY Consult us quickly if you develop symptoms that last beyond the times mentioned.

5 TO REACH US Weekdays (Monday to Friday) Ch. de la Côte N Ambroise Lafortune Ch. de la Côte S Grande-Allée Sortie 19 Sortie At the Institut de l œil des Laurentides at or Evenings/weekends/ statutory holidays Go to your hospital s emergency department.tell the emergency physician that you recently had eye surgery. The physician will contact the on-call ophthalmologist, if necessary. 640 The Institut de l œil des Laurentides 4800, rue Ambroise-Lafortune Boisbriand, QC, J7H 1S6 The INSTITUT DE L OEIL DES LAURENTIDES offers the Accord D financing plan (12 equal payments, no service charge or interest). * All prices are subject to change without notice. Version mai 2016