“Cryotherapy or laser treatment for retinal tears?”
I was with a small retinal tear and I'm trying to understand which option is best. Should I consider cryotherapy or laser treatment?
7 Answers
Both are viable options. See an ophthalmologist.
Not your choice. Proceed with what your retinal surgeon recommends.
Jeffrey D. Gold, MD
Jeffrey D. Gold, MD
Presumably, you have seen a retina surgeon who will make this choice for you. Laser provides pin point accuracy, but takes multiple applications to achieve the desired result. Cryo is less discriminate, treating a broader area but takes less time although it can be slightly uncomfortable. In both cases, the goal is to force the retina to seal itself down and prevent progression of a peripheral tear. The long-term results of both are probably equal. It is a choice you will not have to make which is why we rely on the expertise of our sub-specialists in medicine.
Either will work. Most of us use Laser if possible. Both create a small scar around the tear to prevent a retinal detachment
Laser is much less painful. Both are effective. I would choose laser
If laser is possible it's best and least Invasive. But cryotherapy is needed in periphery retina areas and will cause swelling to the treated area and recovery is slightly longer than laser treatment.
That is a decision of the doctor. The patient really does not make this choice because the decision depends on the place of the tear and the size.
