‘Eye laser treatment’ covers several procedures. Depending on the condition, we stabilise the retina, open a cloudy lens capsule or change fluid drainage to lower eye pressure.
A laser focuses light energy precisely. Depending on wavelength, pulse duration and target tissue, it can make a tiny opening, create a controlled scar or stimulate biological responses in the eye’s drainage area.
Treatment is usually outpatient and does not require a skin incision. That does not make it risk-free: preliminary examination, the right indication, precise dosing and follow-up are essential.
The procedures differ fundamentally in where they act, their aims, preparation and follow-up care.
The laser creates tiny, precisely targeted tissue reactions. Around a retinal tear, it forms a firm scar intended to reduce the risk of retinal detachment. For selected vascular conditions or diabetic retinopathy, treatment targets areas of the retina with poor blood supply or leaking vessels.
After cataract surgery, the capsule behind the artificial lens may cloud over. A YAG laser makes a central opening without a skin incision, allowing light to reach the retina freely again.
Short laser pulses act on the eye’s natural drainage tissue. They can lower pressure in open-angle glaucoma or suitable cases of ocular hypertension.
For a narrow drainage angle or one at risk of closing, a small opening is made in the iris. This balances pressure between the eye’s chambers and can relieve or prevent a pupillary block.
Laser energy is applied from outside the eye to the ciliary body, which produces aqueous humour. Reducing fluid production aims to lower pressure in selected glaucoma cases.
A micropulse laser delivers energy in very short bursts, with cooling intervals between them. Treatment stays below the threshold at which visible scarring occurs. It aims to stimulate the retinal pigment epithelium so that fluid beneath the retina can drain more effectively.
Central serous retinopathy (RCS), often called central serous chorioretinopathy (CCS) in medical publications, mainly affects the macula and choroid. Fluid collects beneath the retina and may cause blurred vision, distorted lines, a grey patch in the visual field, changes in the perceived size of objects or reduced contrast vision.
Many acute cases resolve on their own within a few months. If fluid persists, returns or threatens lasting damage to the pigment epithelium and photoreceptors, we assess treatment options using OCT and, where needed, fluorescein and ICG angiography.
Brief pulses alternate with cooling intervals. Unlike conventional visible laser coagulation, no permanent retinal scar is intended. Treatment targets carefully mapped leakage or fluid areas.
Treatment may help selected persistent or recurrent cases, particularly when the imaging and leakage site fit the procedure. Acute central serous retinopathy is not automatically treated with laser straight away.
Depending on the findings, options include observation, conventional focal laser treatment outside the fovea or photodynamic therapy. In the PLACE study of chronic central serous retinopathy, half-dose photodynamic therapy was more effective overall than the micropulse procedure studied.
Visual acuity, symptoms and fluid on OCT guide the assessment. The effect develops over time; persistent fluid may require repeat or alternative treatment.
Similar symptoms can have very different causes. We use laser treatment only when the diagnosis and expected benefit support it.
Slit-lamp and retinal examinations, pressure readings and disease history determine whether laser treatment is appropriate.
Before retinal treatment, we dilate the pupil and examine the peripheral retina carefully. OCT or vascular imaging may provide additional information.
Pressure readings, drainage angle, optic nerve, visual field and OCT help establish the type and stage of glaucoma and the target pressure.
Before YAG capsulotomy, we confirm that capsule clouding, rather than the retina, cornea or optic nerve, is causing the reduced vision.
Planning takes account of previous retinal tears, high myopia, inflammation, medicines and earlier operations.
We explain whether the laser aims to improve vision, lower pressure or prevent deterioration.
The laser application often takes only a few minutes. Please allow additional time for preparation and checks.
We check visual acuity, pressure and the area being treated. The pupil may be dilated or constricted depending on the procedure.
The eye’s surface is numbed locally. Many procedures use a contact lens to keep the eye still and focus the laser precisely.
You usually sit at a device similar to a slit lamp. You see flashes and may hear clicks. The duration depends on the procedure.
After laser treatment, we check pressure, the retina or the treated tissue’s response, depending on the procedure.
We explain drops, rest, follow-up and warning signs. Change existing glaucoma drops only on medical advice.
Follow-up care depends on the tissue treated and your individual risk.
The stabilising effect is not immediate. Follow your personal instructions on activity and warning signs until your check-up. New flashes, many spots or a shadow still require urgent care.
Clouding and small moving spots may be noticeable at first. Pressure and retinal risk determine the checks needed.
Pressure may not fall immediately. Continue your prescribed glaucoma drops until your treating team advises a change.
Anti-inflammatory drops and a pressure check may be needed. Ongoing glaucoma monitoring remains important after successful iridotomy.
We monitor inflammation, pressure and visual function. Change drops or tablets only on medical advice.
Follow-up intervals and medicines are chosen individually. Feeling well immediately afterwards does not replace your scheduled check-up.
These notes are general guidance. Your personal aftercare instructions take priority.
Drive again only when your vision has recovered sufficiently. Use prescribed drops as instructed.
Seek immediate assessment by an ophthalmologist. Do not wait for your next routine appointment.
Guidance for urgent symptomsThe types of complications and how often they occur vary with the procedure and the condition of your eye before treatment.
We discuss your individual risks before treatment. These depend on factors including glaucoma stage, retinal health, myopia, previous operations and other conditions.
Where treatment takes place depends on the procedure needed and your individual clinical indication. This page describes photodynamic therapy as a medical alternative for central serous retinopathy. We will discuss its availability and any necessary referral with you personally.
Available here: retinal laser treatment, YAG capsulotomy, SLT, YAG iridotomy, CPC and micropulse laser treatment.
Carmerstraße 7
10623 Berlin-Charlottenburg
YAG-capsulotomy, retinal laser and SLT are also performed at this practice.
Greifswalder Straße 137–138
10409 Berlin-Pankow
Medically necessary laser treatments may be covered by German statutory health insurance. Whether costs are covered, and to what extent, depends on the procedure, diagnosis, contractual conditions and your individual insurance status.
Before treatment, we check whether it is covered, needs prior approval or must be paid privately. We cannot promise coverage for every type of laser.
Drops numb the eye’s surface. SLT, YAG capsulotomy and many retinal laser treatments usually involve flashes or mild pressure. CPC may require stronger anaesthesia. Sensations vary between patients.
No. Please make other travel arrangements. Dilated pupils, glare and temporarily blurred vision can affect your ability to drive. Wait until your vision has recovered sufficiently and you meet the legal requirements before driving again.
Some people can reduce drops or start them later; for others, pressure does not fall enough. Change your drops only after the agreed pressure check and medical advice.
The opening made in the posterior capsule with a YAG laser normally does not cloud over again in the same way. Other eye conditions can still affect vision later.
Laser treatment can substantially reduce the risk, but cannot eliminate it. New flashes, many spots or a shadow need immediate assessment even after treatment.
The effect may take days or weeks to develop, may fade or may be incomplete. The underlying retinal disease or glaucoma also remains.
This page offers general guidance. The right procedure can be chosen only after a full eye examination and a personal discussion of the risks and options.
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