Retinal tear laser repair

[sugardaddy1]

On 1/21/11 I had a second retinal tear in my left eye repaired by laser. At follow-up appt the next week 1/28/11 the retinal surgeon said everything looked fine and to come back in one month. Today I was seen by a new ophthalmologist for vision check for new glasses. Upon the dilated exam the new doctor said he saw the scar tissue from the previous repair and it looked like a tear with the scar tissue surrounding it. The new doctor said he did not know if it was something new or just from the previous laser repairs. I have an appt. with my retinal surgeon tomorrow. My question is how do they actually repair retinal tears with lasers? Do they laser the actual hole or just around it? Does the laser repairs impair ones vision? I have not seen any flashes just an occasional floater. Thank you for all your help.

[sugardaddy1]

Thank you Dr Vosoghi, Hopefully it is not a new tear but I will see my retina doctor today to confirm. Maybe my new ophthalmologist is being cautious which is good. I had a retinal detachment in the other year last year which required surgery to correct. Have a great day

[Houman Vosoghi, MD]

They laser densely arond the tear or hole to create a barrier around it so that fluid entering through the hole can not cause a retinal detachment.  Can't accomplish this with just lasering the tear itself.  Should not really impair your vision.

HV