macular degeneration
Laser Treatment
This treatment uses a highly focused beam of high-powered light to effectively cauterize the membrane. Laser ablation can only be used safely if the membrane does not affect the centre of the macula (fovea). This is because the heat of the laser beam burns a small scar in the retina at the same time as destroying the membrane. The effect of this is a small dark spot in the vision. Clearly if the foveal area were treated in this way the result would be a small black spot right in very centre of vision. This treatment is very good for treating small classic membranes that remain outside the foveal centre by a margin of at least 0.2mm. One of the major drawbacks in this treatment is recurrence of the membrane at a later time; this can occur even several years later but more commonly occurs within the first twelve months of treatment. For this reason regular examinations are typically required for the first 12-18 months after treatment.
Results
