Micropulse Laser Treatment

What is MicroPulse Laser Treatment?

MicroPulse is a tissue-sparing innovation in laser therapy for the eyes. Laser therapy is used to treat conditions such as macular edema, retinal tears, and glaucoma.

Instead of a continuous laser beam, the MicroPulse device delivers the laser energy in short pulses with intervening rest periods. This prevents overheating of the tissues at the target site and thermal spread beyond the target area thus reducing or eliminating complications.

The duration of the pulses and intervals can be controlled for specific applications. This provides flexibility and fine control of the energy being delivered allowing more effective treatment to be administered.

MicroPulse may be administered alone or in combination with drug therapy and injection treatments.

Preparation for MicroPulse Laser Treatment

Prior to the procedure, your doctor will perform a detailed eye examination. Specific imaging studies of the retina may be performed. To prepare for the procedure:

Inform your doctor about any routine medications.
Do not wear contact lenses on the day of the procedure.
Avoid wearing any eye makeup or face cream.
Arrange for someone to drive you home.

Procedure for MicroPulse Laser Treatment

MicroPulse laser treatment is a minimally-invasive outpatient procedure. You will be seated facing the laser machine. Your eye is numbed and the pupil dilated using eye drops. A special lens will be placed over the eye to prevent movement and to help direct the laser beam to the precise target area.

For retinal treatment, diseased vessels or retinal tears are the targets for the laser treatment. When treating glaucoma, the laser is directed at the trabecular meshwork to improve drainage of the fluid from the eye thus reducing intraocular pressure.

The laser is delivered in pulses to the target area. You may see some flashing lights during the procedure. The procedure takes only a few minutes and is entirely painless.

Recovery following MicroPulse Laser Treatment

You will have some blurriness of vision following the procedure and you will need to use sunglasses. There may be some discomfort or irritation in the front of the eye which should resolve in a few days, but inform your doctor if you have significant pain. Your doctor will prescribe some medication and eye drops to help you recover. Remember to keep all your appointments. Inform your doctor if you notice any complications or allergies.