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Laser Advice

Tanny35

Tanny35

Well-Known Member
Messages
136
Location
nottingham
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi all, I've had two lots of laser on each eye so far! And been booked in today for urgent laser again. Last time I had it though (both eyes the second time round) really hurt me. Has anyone had more than two lots and did it hurt the more times u had it done?
 
Hi @Tanny35

When I had laser surgery it did get more uncomfortable after a couple of sessions, when speaking with the Ophthalmologist about it he said this can happen and his suggestion was to take paracetamol leading up to the procedure, I did the next time and it did help ease the discomfort.

Hope all goes well today.
 
Hi @Tanny35 I had my 3rd lot last week and it was much better, but I have had 3 different ophthalmologists now. The first was great, doing short bursts, the second did slow, long bursts, which were much more painful and uncomfortable, so for the 3rd and 4th session, I specifically requested the 1st doctor again. He, and the final doctor I've just had specifically said that if it was too painful, I should say, and they could reduce the power, so has that been mentioned to you? Also, I specifically insisted that I only have one eye done per day/session, but if it is urgent, you may not have that luxury? Hope all goes well
 
I had about 6 session (late 90s) but only had a little pain during around the 3rd session, but it was transient (like going to the dentist ;) ) possibly a bit achy afterwards as they were pressing on my eyeball with a lens thing during lasering.

Hope it all goes well for you @Tanny35 - I have not needed any more treatment since 1999.
 
Thanks everyone! Just sat waiting now. I've taken some paracetamol so hopefully that will help :)
 
paulliljeros said:
Hi @Tanny35 I had my 3rd lot last week and it was much better, but I have had 3 different ophthalmologists now. The first was great, doing short bursts, the second did slow, long bursts, which were much more painful and uncomfortable, so for the 3rd and 4th session, I specifically requested the 1st doctor again. He, and the final doctor I've just had specifically said that if it was too painful, I should say, and they could reduce the power, so has that been mentioned to you? Also, I specifically insisted that I only have one eye done per day/session, but if it is urgent, you may not have that luxury? Hope all goes well
Click to expand...

I chose to have them both done together - just to get it out the way and over and done with! Rather than being anxious twice over.
 
The 3 things I found uncomfortable, were the laser, the lens and the light he used to see. I am no ophthalmologist, but I believe all can be controlled within reason (with the numbing gel on the lens, or reducing the power of the light/laser), so just mention it in advance and see if they are able to make changes for you if you are uncomfortable. For me, it only took about 10 minutes or so per eye, so if there is a bright side, I decide at least it's not too long to endure! Don't forget your sunglasses for afterwards!!
 
noblehead said:
Hi @Tanny35

When I had laser surgery it did get more uncomfortable after a couple of sessions, when speaking with the Ophthalmologist about it he said this can happen and his suggestion was to take paracetamol leading up to the procedure,.
Click to expand...

Same for me, and I also agree with @paulliljeros that different consultants tend to use different settings and 'patterns' which can make a difference. I would mention it to them as they may be able to use a lower power or go slower etc.

Good luck x
 
Tanny35 said:
Thanks everyone! Just sat waiting now. I've taken some paracetamol so hopefully that will help :)
Click to expand...

If you have more treatment after today take the paracetamol a good few hours before the surgery, that way it builds up in your system and will make the laser more bearable, but if it does becomes too uncomfortable do mention it to the Ophthalmologist .
 
BeccyB said:
Same for me, and I also agree with @paulliljeros that different consultants tend to use different settings and 'patterns' which can make a difference. I would mention it to them as they may be able to use a lower power or go slower etc.
Click to expand...

Or less burns per session.

What can happen is, if they laser over old scar tissue the eyes can become painful...........hence the discomfort.
 
I mentioned it - the guy doing it today was really nice and if it hurt he turned the setting down a notch!
However, the bad news is one eye could be done as they wanted. The other - because I've had a large beamorrage I'm it they can't laser it (be did what he could) so he said I will benefit from a vitrectomy :(
My only concern now is the specialist last week said it was too Ricky to do the vitrectomy now before the vessels had been lasered! I'm back to see the specialist in two weeks to discuss the next steps so will mention this then. But if anyone has any advice at all on this I would be grateful! I'm really anxious about the vitrectomy - but think I'm in a no win situation right about now.
 
Tanny35 said:
My only concern now is the specialist last week said it was too Ricky to do the vitrectomy now before the vessels had been lasered! I'm back to see the specialist in two weeks to discuss the next steps so will mention this then. But if anyone has any advice at all on this I would be grateful! I'm really anxious about the vitrectomy - but think I'm in a no win situation right about now.
Click to expand...

Just double-check on that advice, I was told they can do the laser surgery whilst the vitrectomy operation is taking place..

Edited post to add, just found the following (last paragraph on page 3):

http://www.ouh.nhs.uk/patient-guide/leaflets/files\100322vitrectomy.pdf
 
Last edited by a moderator:
It's coming up with an error message when I try open the link!
I was told they do some laser during the operation too. Or can do if needed. I was just worried that the original doc said the op was too risky and to have more laser first. N now they're saying they can't do laser and to have the op (if that makes sense)
 
Just see what they say on the follow-up appointment, ask to speak with the senior Ophthalmologist if possible.
 
Hi Tanny35
I had laser which was unsuccessful so the only thing left for me was a vitrectomy. It was the best thing that I've ever had done. I had it done in 1990 and I've never had any trouble since. It's that old saying I should have had it done years ago. I had very slight pain after which is expected after surgery. I wore an eye patch for a week then when the Dr took the patch off I could see. It was amazing. I really would recommend the op. It's 27 years since my op aund still no problems.
I hope that I have helped in some way.
If I can be of any further help please get in touch.



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