Lasers and Cataracts
Cataracts are a gradual clouding of the eye's natural lens. Although lasers are not used in the removal of cataracts themselves, they can be an important tool in treating a condition related to cataract surgery.

In modern surgical techniques, the cloudy cataract is suctioned from the eye's lens capsule, leaving the thin natural skin or shell in place over the new artificial lens implant.

In some people, the remaining capsule becomes cloudy in a few days or weeks and vision is blurred once again. In these cases, a YAG laser is used to open this membrane, much like opening holes in a piece of plastic wrap. After a YAG laser treatment, vision is usually restored almost immediately.

Lasers and Glaucoma
A traditional treatment for glaucoma includes eyedrops and tablets, both of which must be taken in precise amounts on a regular schedule to control fluid pressure. If this fails, treatment using and Argon laser may be tried before resorting to conventional surgery to open drainage channels within the eye. In treatment, heat from the laser stretches open these drainage channels, allowing more fluid to exit and reducing pressure on the eye.

Lasers and Acute Glaucoma
In the relatively rare instances of acute glaucoma, immediate treatment is required. Argon lasers will often be used to open a fluid channel directly in the iris to reduce pressure and avoid more extensive surgery.

Lasers and Retinal Tears
The retina forms a thin membranous lining of the rear two-thirds of the globe. In some people, the retina can tear and become partially detached from the back wall of the eye.

Although retinal detachment in advanced stages usually requires major surgery, doctors using an Argon laser can fuse smaller tears in place and help prevent a further detachment.

Lasers and Diabetes
It is not uncommon for a diabetic to have blood vessels under the retina which begin to leak. The Argon laser is often used to seal them closed.

Lasers and Macular Degeneration
As the body ages, weak blood vessels may leak and scar the central retina. Called macular degeneration, this condition robs the victim of the ability to see objects straight ahead, leaving him or her with only peripheral vision.

Eight in ten suffer from a slow-progressing form of the disease which cannot be treated by lasers. The other 20 percent with fast-progressing macular degeneration may benefit from laser therapy when detected in time.

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