Argon Laser
Create a requestArgon laser therapy is a medical procedure that uses light energy emitted by an argon laser to treat various eye conditions, including diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears, and glaucoma. The laser's precise and controlled energy seals or creates small burns in the retina, addressing abnormalities without invasive surgery.

General
The argon laser produces a blue-green light that is absorbed by the eye's tissues. This absorption process generates heat, which can seal retinal tears, reduce abnormal blood vessel growth, and improve fluid drainage from the eye in cases of glaucoma. The procedure is typically done on an outpatient basis and is known for its precision, reducing the risk of damaging surrounding healthy tissues. Patients often experience minimal discomfort during the procedure and can return to their normal activities shortly after, with follow-up visits to monitor the eye's healing response. The effectiveness of the therapy depends on the condition being treated and the extent of any damage before the procedure.
Special Details
Who is it for?
- Individuals with diabetic retinopathy.
- Patients experiencing retinal tears or detachments.
- People diagnosed with glaucoma, specifically open-angle glaucoma.
- Patients with macular edema.
Recovery Period
- Procedure time: usually between 15 to 30 minutes.
- Recovery time: most patients can resume normal activities within a day, although it may take several weeks for the full effects to be realized.
- Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled to monitor healing and effectiveness.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
- Temporary or permanent blind spots.
- Mild to severe eye pain during or after the procedure.
- Increased eye pressure.
- Inflammation or infection.
- Bleeding in the eye.
Alternative Treatments
- Photodynamic therapy for certain types of macular degeneration.
- Scleral buckle or vitrectomy for retinal detachment.
- Medication or eye drops for early-stage glaucoma or macular edema.
Success Rate
Success rates vary based on the condition being treated but can range from 70% to 90% for conditions like diabetic retinopathy and retinal tears.
Procedure step-by-step overivew
- Initial examination and dilation of the pupil to prepare the eye for treatment.
- Seating the patient in front of the laser machine and applying a special contact lens to the eye to stabilize the eye and focus the laser.
- Adjustment of the laser settings based on the specific condition being treated.
- Application of laser energy to the targeted areas of the retina, which might involve multiple pulses of light.
- Monitoring the treatment area for appropriate response to the laser.
- Application of anti-inflammatory eye drops post-procedure if necessary.
- Discussion of immediate care instructions and scheduling of follow-up appointments.
Prices
Why Do Prices Vary?
- Geographical location of the treatment facility.
- Experience and qualification of the attending physician.
- Type and severity of the condition being treated.
- Number of treatment sessions required.
- Medical insurance coverage and agreements between insurance providers and medical facilities.
- Turkey
- $600 - $1,500
- Czech Republic
- $500 - $900
- Croatia
- $500 - $800
- Lithuania
- $400 - $700
- Poland
- $400 - $800
- Germany
- $1,000 - $1,800
- Switzerland
- $1,500 - $2,500
- France
- $1,200 - $2,000
- United Kingdom
- $1,000 - $2,500
- United States
- $2,000 - $5,000
- Canada
- $1,500 - $4,000
- Australia
- $1,800 - $3,500