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May 20, 2025 | Author: Admin
Vision is probably the most critical sense, and treatment must begin early when it’s under siege—such as with a tear or deterioration in the retina. One treatment for this is barrage laser surgery. However, many patients and their families panic at hearing the words. They ask questions such as: – What is barrage laser surgery? Is it safe? How does it compare with other laser surgeries? And how much is it going to cost?
This article will explain the need for barrage laser surgery, how it is done, what happens after the procedure, and the expenses incurred so that you can make an informed decision.
Barrage laser therapy is one type of retinal laser therapy applied to close or tighten loose tissue in the retina, the thin layer of light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye that enables vision. If small holes or tears occur in the retina, fluid from inside your eye can leak through and lead to it detaching from the eye wall—a condition called retinal detachment.
Barrage laser surgery employs a concentrated beam of laser to create a series of minor, controlled cuts around the tear or area of weakness. The cuts create scar tissue as a “barrage” or “barrier” to prevent the tear from advancing or fluid from seeping under the retina.
That’s how it got its name, barrage—it “blocks” the way, just like a dam blocks water.
An ophthalmologist would recommend barrage laser treatment for the following conditions:-
Most of the time, the patient may not be aware that anything is wrong because changes in the retina can occur without symptoms in the early stages. That’s why eye exams are so important—especially for individuals who have high myopia (minus power), diabetes, or a family history of retinal disease.
Barrage laser is an office procedure that is not surgical and takes only 15 to 10 minutes. That is what is involved:-
Before the procedure, your retina will be examined thoroughly using dilating drops and special lenses. The doctor will share the risks and benefits and ask you to sign a consent form.
Anaesthetic drops will be administered to your eye to anaesthetize the surface. A contact lens will sometimes be applied to aim the laser beam more accurately onto the retina.
The area of the tear or weakness is treated with the laser. You might notice flashing bright red or green lights. You might experience some discomfort or heat sensation over the laser spots, but this is usually not painful.
Your vision blurs for a few hours after the laser. You are monitored for a short while and then discharged home.
Most of the patients will return to regular activity within a day or two, although some precautions should be observed:-
It should be noted that the barrage laser does not treat lost vision—it is only a preventative measure to help maintain current vision and prevent future loss. Surgery may be needed if the retina still detaches after the laser.
Yes, barrage laser is a safe and effective surgery. It has been utilized for numerous decades of retinal treatment. However, as with all medical treatment, it does carry some risks:-
No. LASIK is a laser that remodels the cornea to correct for refractive errors such as myopia or astigmatism. Barrage laser is an assault on the retina with a specific purpose and mechanism.
Barrage laser does not cause vision loss—it’s performed to prevent possible blindness due to retinal detachment. Diminished peripheral or night vision can be seen in some instances.
Yes, in most instances. Barrage laser can prevent more severe surgery by fixing the problem in time. However, laser treatment alone may not be sufficient if retinal detachment has already occurred.
The cost of barrage laser surgery can differ depending on:-
The cost of barrage laser treatment in India can range from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 20,000 per eye. Charitable trusts or government hospitals might provide it at a subsidised price. High-tech eye hospitals might charge slightly higher because of the quality of care and the equipment used.
Depending on your condition and the kind of treatment you require, it is always best to contact the hospital directly for an estimate.
Barrage laser surgery is an old tried-and-true technique to guard against serious complications in the retina. It is techno-jargon and scares even some people at face value. Still, in simple terms, it is a fast, precautionary laser treatment that saves your vision and prevents having to undergo more dangerous treatments. Don’t panic if your eye doctor says you need this surgery. Ask questions, learn about the advantages, and move fast—because with retinal treatment, time can be the difference between saving your vision. To learn more or to arrange a retinal consultation, please do not hesitate to call our eye hospital. Our experts are here to assist you.
