Argon Laser Treatment (eyes)
Discussion
has anybody had the above or have any practical experience of it?
My dad suffers from diabetic retinopathy and was supposed to have some treatment on his left eye earlier today. However, whilst signing the consent form the Consultant said this would man that he would lose peripheral vision in one eye and probably would lose all his night vision and maybe not be able to drive at night. This came completely out of the blue and was a bit of a shock to my dad who still drives regularly. he was then given a leaflet to read which suggested that permanent side effects were rare but the Consultant was insistent that he was going to laser the peripheral retina and it would be definitely 100% damaged although he did then say that DVSA MIGHT ban him (rather than a definite ban).
has anybody had this and, if so what was the impact?
My dad suffers from diabetic retinopathy and was supposed to have some treatment on his left eye earlier today. However, whilst signing the consent form the Consultant said this would man that he would lose peripheral vision in one eye and probably would lose all his night vision and maybe not be able to drive at night. This came completely out of the blue and was a bit of a shock to my dad who still drives regularly. he was then given a leaflet to read which suggested that permanent side effects were rare but the Consultant was insistent that he was going to laser the peripheral retina and it would be definitely 100% damaged although he did then say that DVSA MIGHT ban him (rather than a definite ban).
has anybody had this and, if so what was the impact?
Countdown said:
has anybody had the above or have any practical experience of it?
My dad suffers from diabetic retinopathy and was supposed to have some treatment on his left eye earlier today. However, whilst signing the consent form the Consultant said this would man that he would lose peripheral vision in one eye and probably would lose all his night vision and maybe not be able to drive at night. This came completely out of the blue and was a bit of a shock to my dad who still drives regularly. he was then given a leaflet to read which suggested that permanent side effects were rare but the Consultant was insistent that he was going to laser the peripheral retina and it would be definitely 100% damaged although he did then say that DVSA MIGHT ban him (rather than a definite ban).
has anybody had this and, if so what was the impact?
I have had a lot of issues with my eyes. I am also T1D and had a retinopathy issue.My dad suffers from diabetic retinopathy and was supposed to have some treatment on his left eye earlier today. However, whilst signing the consent form the Consultant said this would man that he would lose peripheral vision in one eye and probably would lose all his night vision and maybe not be able to drive at night. This came completely out of the blue and was a bit of a shock to my dad who still drives regularly. he was then given a leaflet to read which suggested that permanent side effects were rare but the Consultant was insistent that he was going to laser the peripheral retina and it would be definitely 100% damaged although he did then say that DVSA MIGHT ban him (rather than a definite ban).
has anybody had this and, if so what was the impact?
I had very heavy laser treatment about 20 years ago. I did not lose my peripheral vision, but the more laser treatment you have the greater the likelihood. My treatment was delayed hence my retinopathy got worse and worse whilst I was being diagnosed as epileptic - so they wouldn't use the laser in case I had a fit and wouldn't use a GA as the epilepsy was undiagnosed at the time...... (Turns out it wasn't epilepsy but that is another story)
My consultant gave me the max laser without losing any peripheral vision. They obviously aim to reduce the risk. I understand the lasers have improved dramatically over the intervening years too. Then he moved onto a vitrectomy in my left eye (quite risky keyhole surgery to remove the vitreous gel at the back of the eye) and I have injections occasionally in my right eye to control bleeds from old blood vessels.
I still have my peripheral vision and I still drive 20 years after having the first laser treatment. Since having the laser he will probably need a field vision test when he informs the DVLA just to confirm the peripheral vision has not been impacted by the laser. If this is his first time round it 'should' not be an issue.
I suspect it is the 'standard' comms informing the patient about the risks of each treatment. Laser is non invasive so a safer route at the beginning.
Just to add.....
The first laser treatment is always deep into the peripheral vision. As he needs more it might impact his actual vision. But there are other options (mentioned above). The consultant won't want your dad to lose his ability to drive so would look at other options if there was a real risk. I have found some consultants that try to 'scare' you into controlling your diabetes better..... Unfortunately, for me, as I had s

Edited by mike9009 on Thursday 9th October 22:26
Edited by mike9009 on Thursday 9th October 22:47
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