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Understanding Barrage Laser Surgery – Purpose, Procedure, Post-Surgery Care, and Cost

March 25, 2025

Introduction

Our eyes are among the most sensitive and sophisticated organs of the human body, and any harm to the retina can result in serious vision impairment or complete blindness. One such serious condition needing urgent care is the occurrence of retinal holes, retinal tears, or thin spots in the retina that can cause retinal detachment if not treated. Thankfully, the advanced practice of ophthalmology now provides a very effective laser procedure known as Barrage Laser Surgery to shield the retina from further injury and lower the risk of retinal detachment.

But most patients are usually in a state of confusion or lack of clarity regarding the purpose, advantages, price, and recovery after surgery following Barrage Laser Surgery. The purpose of this article is to give full explanation regarding Barrage Laser Surgery, such as why it is undertaken, what one can expect from and after the surgery, and the price tag.

What is Barrage Laser Surgery?

Barrage Laser Surgery, or Laser Photocoagulation, is a preventive laser procedure done to:-

  • Close retinal holes, tears, or thinning places in the retina.
  • Avoid the danger of retinal detachment.
  • Safeguard the retina against further damage or loss of vision.

The procedure is done by employing a high-energy laser beam directed at the affected area of the retina (rear part of the eye) to produce tiny scar tissues. The scar tissues serve as a barricade (barrage), which keeps the retina from detaching and safeguards it from further damage.

Barrage Laser Surgery is usually advised for patients diagnosed with:-

  • Retinal Holes.
  • Retinal Tears.
  • Lattice Degeneration (weak or thin retina).
  • Diabetic Retinopathy or Retinal Bleeding.
  • High Myopia (Nearsightedness) with thinning of the retina.

The main objective of Barrage Laser Surgery is to protect the retina and avoid long-term vision loss.

Why is Barrage Laser Surgery done?

The retina is a light-sensitive, thin sheet at the rear of the eye that records visual images and transmits them to the brain through the optic nerve. Any injury to the retina, like:-

  • Retinal Holes or Tears.
  • Retinal Thinning or Weakness (Lattice Degeneration).
  • Retinal Detachment Risks.

It can cause irreversible blindness if left untreated in time.

Use of Barrage Laser Surgery

Seal Retinal Holes/Tears – In case there are retinal holes or tears, the laser assists in sealing the break so that fluid doesn’t leak behind the retina, which might cause detachment.

Prevent Retinal Detachment – If the retina is thinning, torn, or weakened, laser treatment makes it stronger to avoid detachment.

Stabilize Vision – The treatment maintains existing vision and avoids further loss.

Reduce Risk of Blindness – Early treatment drastically lowers the risk of total vision loss because of retinal detachment.

Who Needs Barrage Laser Surgery?

You might need Barrage Laser Surgery if you have been diagnosed with:-

Retinal Tear or Hole

A retinal hole or tear is a small tear in the retina that can let fluid seep underneath it, causing retinal detachment. Barrage Laser Surgery is performed to close this tear/hole and avoid further damage.

Lattice Degeneration (Weak or Thin Retina)

Lattice Degeneration is a condition where the retina thins and weakens, particularly in individuals with:-

  • High Myopia (Nearsightedness).
  • Aging Retina.
  • Genetic Retina Weakness.

It can cause retinal detachment if not treated. Barrage Laser assists in forming a protective wall around the weakened spot so that damage does not progress further.

Risk of Retinal Detachment

Individuals with family history of retinal detachment or with one eye already suffering from retinal detachment are likely to have retinal detachment in the other eye. Barrage Laser Surgery is a preventive treatment to protect the retina.

Diabetic Retinopathy (Retinal Bleeding)

In diabetic patients, there are good chances of retinal hemorrhage or bleeding blood vessels. Barrage Laser can stop further bleeding or vision loss from it.

What to Expect During Barrage Laser Surgery? (Procedure)

The procedure of Barrage Laser Surgery is brief, painless, and very effective. It is done on an outpatient basis, so you can return home the same day. Here’s what you can expect during the procedure:-

Step 1 – Dilation of Pupils

The physician will place dilating eye drops to open your pupils so that your retina is well visible.

Step 2 – Anesthetic Drops in the Eyes

For your comfort, the physician will put numbing drops in the targeted eye. You will not be put to sleep.

Step 3 – Laser Therapy

  • The surgeon will employ a strong laser beam to make micro-burns surrounding the tear, hole, or weakened section of the retinal area.
  • They will lead to scarring on the retina that seals it, thereby stopping the detachment.
  • The whole process takes between 10-15 minutes in each eye.

Step 4 – Recovery Period

  • You will have 15-20 minutes under observation following surgery.
  • Once stability has been ensured, you may leave home on the same day.

Post-Surgery Care (Following Barrage Laser Surgery)

Following Barrage Laser Surgery, you must adopt some important care tips to support healing:-

No Heavy Physical Activity

Do not undertake heavy lifting, exercise, or physical exertion for a period of at least 2-3 weeks in order to avert pressure on the retina.

No Eye Rubbing

Do not rub or touch your eyes in order to avoid any shifting of the laser-treated site.

Use Prescribed Eye Drops

Your eye doctor will give you anti-inflammatory or antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection and allow the eyes to heal.

Steer Clear of Swimming or Dusty Environments

Steer clear of swimming, dust, or water splashing onto your eyes for 2-4 weeks.

Side Effects of Barrage Laser Surgery

Though Barrage Laser Surgery is usually safe, you might feel:-

  • Blurriness or floaters for a few days.
  • Sensitivity to light.
  • Headache after laser.

These symptoms correct in a few days.

What is the Cost of Barrage Laser Surgery?

The cost of Barrage Laser Surgery may differ based on:-

  • The hospital or eye care center.
  • Doctor’s experience.
  • Extent of retina damage.
  • Whether one or both eyes are to be treated.

Estimated Cost of Barrage Laser Surgery in India

Condition Average Cost (Per Eye)
Minor Retinal Tear Rs 8,000 – Rs 15,000
Large Retinal Hole Rs 15,000 – Rs 30,000
Lattice Degeneration Rs 20,000 – Rs 35,000
Both Eyes (Severe Condition) Rs 30,000 – Rs 50,000
[NoteThe price may vary from city to city in the country]

Ojas Eye Hospital A Center of Excellence for Contoura Vision, Femto Bladefree Lasik in Mumbai, India.