PRP in Rhode Island

The experienced ophthalmologists at Koch Eye Associates perform retinal laser treatments for many common retinal conditions, including tears, detachments, and those associated with abnormal blood vessel growth. The treatments are done with a panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) laser and sometimes include the use of a focal laser. These lasers are able to remove or seal off the targeted blood vessels affecting the macula. Each laser treatment is tailored to the specific needs of the patient, including his or her retinal condition and its progression. Retinal laser treatments are outpatient procedures that are done in our Warwick and Woonsocket, RI offices and only take about 20 minutes. Some patients may only require the laser treatment, while others may have the treatment as part of a larger treatment plan.

Most patients considered as candidates for retinal laser treatment are in the mid or late stages of diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, or age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, wet AMD patients are typically treated with retinal injections first with laser treatment used as a secondary option. Other conditions that are sometimes treated with retinal laser procedures include:

• Retinal holes
• Lattice degeneration
• Partial retinal detachment

There are several factors that can affect whether a patient is a candidate. Your ophthalmologist will perform a comprehensive evaluation at your consultation to determine whether you may benefit from the procedure.  

Your retinal laser procedure will be performed at the Koch Eye Associates facility in Warwick or Woonsocket, RI Prior to your procedure, an eye health professional will administer numbing and dilation agents to your eye. When your eyes are ready, your ophthalmologist will place a device over your eye to keep you from blinking and to keep your eye still. Then, one or both lasers will be used to seal up any retinal damage, as well as leaking blood vessels. Depending on the degree of your retinal condition, the procedure can take from 10 – 20 minutes.

After your procedure, your ophthalmologist will monitor you for a few more minutes to make sure you do not experience any unusual reactions to the treatment. You will then be given an eye patch to wear for a few days, especially while sleeping, to protect your healing eye. An eye health professional will discuss the details of your aftercare instructions and schedule your follow-up appointments, and then you will be released to recover at home. As your ophthalmologist assesses your progress during your follow-up visits, he or she may also determine that you would benefit from supplemental ocular injections or corticosteroids.

Our team of ophthalmologists at Koch Eye Associates uses the most advanced techniques in the field to help our patients fight against vision loss. Our goal is to always improve our patients' overall eye health and vision, which translates into more fulfilled, independent lives. If you are interested in retinal laser surgery, schedule an evaluation at one of our facilities in Warwick, North Kingstown, Johnston, Woonsocket, or Wakefield, RI to see how we can help you control your retinal condition.