Description: Information about therapeutic laser treatments in Geneva: laser procedures for glaucoma, retinal diseases, diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears, capsular opacities and angle-closure prevention. Safe, non-invasive treatments performed in the clinic.

What is therapeutic laser?

Therapeutic lasers include several medical laser techniques used to treat or stabilise eye diseases. Unlike refractive lasers (LASIK, PRK), they are not designed to correct vision but to treat pathology or prevent complications.

Laser treatment is:

• non-invasive,
• performed in the clinic,
• painless or mildly uncomfortable,
• with quick recovery.

The type of laser depends on the condition being treated.

Common indications for therapeutic laser

• Glaucoma (reducing eye pressure),
• Retinal tears (preventing retinal detachment),
• Diabetic retinopathy,
• Retinal oedema,
• Posterior capsular opacification after cataract surgery (YAG capsulotomy),
• Angle-closure risk (laser iridotomy).

Laser treatments often help avoid more invasive surgery.

Laser treatments for glaucoma

Laser may be used to:

• Increase fluid outflow (laser trabeculoplasty),
• Create a small opening in the iris (laser iridotomy),
• Reduce fluid production depending on the case.

Goal: long-term reduction of intraocular pressure.

Laser treatments for the retina

• Sealing retinal tears to prevent detachment,
• Treating diabetic retinopathy,
• Reducing oedema in some retinal diseases,
• Treating ischaemic areas of the retina.

Laser helps stabilise the retina and prevent progression.

YAG capsulotomy after cataract surgery

Months or years after cataract surgery, the capsule behind the implant may become cloudy. YAG laser:

• opens the cloudy capsule,
• restores clear vision immediately,
• avoids a second surgical procedure.

A fast, painless treatment performed in the clinic.

Laser iridotomy for angle-closure risk

For patients at risk of angle-closure glaucoma, the laser:

• creates a tiny opening in the iris to restore normal fluid circulation,
• prevents acute angle-closure attacks, a potentially dangerous emergency.

Iridotomy is often preventive and can avoid severe complications.

How a therapeutic laser session works

• Performed in the clinic,
• With anaesthetic eye drops,
• Lasts only a few minutes depending on the laser,
• You can go home immediately afterwards.

Vision may be blurry or sensitive for a few hours but recovery is quick.

Benefits of therapeutic laser

• Fast and painless treatment,
• Non-invasive, no hospital stay,
• Prevents serious complications,
• Helps stabilise chronic eye conditions,
• Some laser treatments can be repeated if needed.

Risks and side effects

• Mild temporary inflammation,
• Slight rise in eye pressure depending on the laser,
• Temporary halos or small haemorrhages,
• Occasional need for repeat laser session.

Risks are low and explained beforehand during consultation.

Therapeutic laser consultation in Geneva

During the consultation, your ophthalmologist will:

• identify the appropriate type of laser,
• assess urgency and expected benefits,
• explain the procedure and recovery,
• provide follow-up after treatment.

The goal is to stabilise disease and prevent complications.

Need a therapeutic laser treatment?

Laser therapy can prevent severe complications and treat several conditions effectively.

Do not hesitate to book a consultation at our ophthalmology practice in Geneva.

Make an appointment at +41 (0) 22 346 26 78 or via our online booking system.