Retinal laser photocoagulation
Laser photocoagulation creates controlled treatment spots in selected retinal areas.
Learn moreService options
About the service
Retinal treatment depends on the diagnosis and the condition of the macula and peripheral retina. Assessment determines whether monitoring, laser treatment, injections or surgery is appropriate.
Who the service is for
Visual field
Patients with retinal tears or symptomatic high-risk peripheral retinal lesions after dilated examination.
The macular area
Patients with diabetic retinopathy or diabetic macular oedema.
Wet AMD and neovascularization
Patients with wet AMD or another form of choroidal neovascularisation.
Macular region
Patients with macular oedema due to retinal vein occlusion.
Retinal tears and detachment
Patients with retinal detachment, vitreous haemorrhage or tractional retinal disease.
The macular area
Patients with macular hole, epiretinal membrane or vitreomacular traction.
Assessment after trauma or surgery
Patients after eye trauma or previous vitreoretinal surgery who need reassessment.
Macular region
Not every peripheral retinal lesion needs prophylactic laser, and not every macular oedema is treated with the same injection.
Retinal tears and detachment
With retinal detachment, timing of assessment can affect the functional prognosis.
Do not change medicines yourself
Do not stop anticoagulants, antiplatelet medicines or systemic treatment on your own.
When urgent care is needed
Urgent review is required for a sudden curtain, abrupt vision loss, flashes with many new floaters, eye trauma or severe pain.
Reduced vision
Do not delay examination if you develop flashes, a sudden increase in floaters, a dark curtain, distorted straight lines, a central visual spot or sudden visual loss.
Results and documents
Bring OCT/OCT-A, ultrasound and angiography results, records of previous operations and a list of all medicines.
General health
If you have diabetes, recent glucose and HbA1c results are useful.
Limitations and safety
Not every peripheral retinal lesion needs prophylactic laser, and not every macular oedema is treated with the same injection. With retinal detachment, timing of assessment can affect the functional prognosis. Urgent review is required for a sudden curtain, abrupt vision loss, flashes with many new floaters, eye trauma or severe pain. After an intravitreal injection or surgery, increasing pain, marked redness, sudden visual deterioration or purulent discharge requires urgent assessment.
Book a consultation
Stages
Stage 1
Specialist consultation
Consultation with a retina specialist/vitreoretinal surgeon, including symptom timing, diabetes, vascular risks and previous treatment.
Stage 2
Fundus examination
Dilated retinal examination and core ophthalmic diagnostics.
Stage 3
Additional diagnostic tests
According to indications and availability.
Stage 4
Defining the clinical goal
Preventing detachment, reducing macular oedema, controlling neovascularisation, releasing traction or restoring retinal attachment.
Stage 5
Method selection
Observation, laser, intravitreal therapy, vitrectomy, scleral intervention or a combination.
Stage 6
An individual plan
Follow-up on an individual schedule; chronic retinal disease may require a series of treatments and long-term monitoring.
Service benefits
Treatment based on the cause
The approach is selected according to the diagnosis, location of changes and condition of the central and peripheral retina.
Selection of a suitable method
Depending on the condition, laser, medication and surgical treatments may be used.
Preserving useful vision
Timely treatment aims to preserve available visual function and reduce the risk of further deterioration.
Monitoring changes
Follow-up examinations help assess the retinal response to treatment and identify the need for further stages in time.
Methods comparison
Colour applies only to the individual criterion: green = more favourable; yellow = situation dependent; red = limitation; grey = neutral/not directly comparable. It is not an overall ranking.
Criterion
Laser photocoagulation
Intravitreal therapy
Vitrectomy
Primary objective
Create a laser barrier or treat ischaemic retina
Treat macular oedema/neovascular activity
Relieve traction, clear blood/opacities, remove membranes and restore anatomy
Typical scenarios
Retinal tears/high-risk lesions, PDR, vascular ischaemia
Wet AMD, DME, oedema due to RVO
Detachment, vitreous haemorrhage, macular hole, ERM
Intraocular entry
No
Yes, injection into vitreous cavity
Yes, intraocular surgery
Repeat treatment
May require stages
Often a series or repeated injections
Repeat surgery is not routine but may be required
What it does not do
Does not treat macular traction or extensive detachment
Does not remove mechanical traction or repair tears
Does not replace anti-VEGF when vascular activity remains
Laser photocoagulation
Primary objective
Typical scenarios
Intraocular entry
Repeat treatment
What it does not do
Create a laser barrier or treat ischaemic retina
Retinal tears/high-risk lesions, PDR, vascular ischaemia
No
May require stages
Does not treat macular traction or extensive detachment
Treat macular oedema/neovascular activity
Wet AMD, DME, oedema due to RVO
Yes, injection into vitreous cavity
Often a series or repeated injections
Does not remove mechanical traction or repair tears
Relieve traction, clear blood/opacities, remove membranes and restore anatomy
Detachment, vitreous haemorrhage, macular hole, ERM
Yes, intraocular surgery
Repeat surgery is not routine but may be required
Does not replace anti-VEGF when vascular activity remains
Clinical situations
Colour applies only to the individual criterion: green = more favourable; yellow = situation dependent; red = limitation; grey = neutral/not directly comparable. It is not an overall ranking.
Scenario
Typical treatment route
Rationale
Symptomatic retinal tear without extensive detachment
Laser retinopexy/barrier when indicated
Goal is to reduce risk of progression to detachment
Proliferative diabetic retinopathy
Panretinal photocoagulation ± intravitreal therapy
Treat retinal ischaemic drive and/or associated oedema/neovascular activity
Diabetic macular oedema
Intravitreal therapy when indicated
Reduce macular fluid and protect central vision
Wet AMD
Intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy
Standard route for active neovascular disease
Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
Vitrectomy, scleral buckle or combination
Close retinal breaks and restore retinal attachment
Macular hole / ERM
Vitrectomy with membrane peeling when indicated
Mechanical pathology must be relieved
Typical treatment route
Symptomatic retinal tear without extensive detachment
Proliferative diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic macular oedema
Wet AMD
Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
Macular hole / ERM
Laser retinopexy/barrier when indicated
Panretinal photocoagulation ± intravitreal therapy
Intravitreal therapy when indicated
Intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy
Vitrectomy, scleral buckle or combination
Vitrectomy with membrane peeling when indicated
Goal is to reduce risk of progression to detachment
Treat retinal ischaemic drive and/or associated oedema/neovascular activity
Reduce macular fluid and protect central vision
Standard route for active neovascular disease
Close retinal breaks and restore retinal attachment
Mechanical pathology must be relieved
Book an appointment
Book a consultation with a KazRIED retina specialist or vitreoretinal surgeon. After diagnostics, the doctor will determine whether observation, laser photocoagulation, intravitreal therapy, vitrectomy or another treatment route is appropriate.
Procedure prices
Service name
Price
Panretinal photocoagulation, 1 stage, (per eye)
from 39 000 ₸
Focal retinal photocoagulation, (per eye)
from 39 000 ₸
Laser barrier for retinal degeneration, 1 quadrant, (per eye)
from 16 500 ₸
Peripheral prophylactic laser, (per eye)
from 26 000 ₸
Grid retinal laser, (per eye)
from 39 000 ₸
Intravitreal drug administration, (per eye)
from 173 000 ₸
Encircling scleral buckle, (per eye)
from 828 000 ₸
Closed vitrectomy, (per eye)
from 736 000 ₸
Vitrectomy + perfluorodecalin + silicone, (per eye)
from 869 000 ₸
25G vitrectomy + membrane peeling, (per eye)
from 796 000 ₸
Silicone oil removal, (per eye)
from 288 000 ₸
Phaco + vitrectomy, (per eye)
from 960 000 ₸
Our doctors
A team of experienced doctors across specialties.
Experience: 34 years
Head
Dzhumataeva Zaure Asylkhanovna
Doctor of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor; Highest-category ophthalmologist
Experience: 34 years
Head Doctor
Kanafyanova Elmira Gazizovna
Doctor of Medical Sciences; Highest-category ophthalmologist
Experience: 22 years
Head
Orazbekov Lukpan Nurlanovich
Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor; Highest-category ophthalmologist
Experience: 31 years
Head
Zhurgumbaeva Gulnar Kayratovna
Candidate of Medical Sciences; Highest-category ophthalmologist
Experience: 27 years
Head
Tleubaeva Gulmira Bakhytovna
Candidate of Medical Sciences; Highest-category ophthalmologist
Experience: 26 years
Ophthalmologist
Tuletova Aygerim Serikbaevna
Candidate of Medical Sciences; Highest-category ophthalmologist
Experience: 8 years
Head
Ruslanuly Qayrat
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Experience: 3 years
Ophthalmologist
Omarova Kymbat Omarovna
Master’s Student in Public Health
Experience: 24 years
Ophthalmologist (pediatric consultations)
Abakaeva Zhanna Bakirzhanovna
Highest-category ophthalmologist
Experience: 13 years
Ophthalmologist
Kalshabekov Alibi Sembaevich
Highest-category ophthalmologist
Retinal treatment: methods, goals, and follow-up
The retina responds differently to different diseases, so there is no single universal retinal treatment. Laser treatment, intravitreal therapy, and vitreoretinal surgery serve different purposes.
When is laser treatment used?
For a retinal tear without extensive detachment, the clinician may create a laser barrier around the area at risk. Laser photocoagulation may also be used for selected peripheral retinal degenerations when indicated.
Panretinal photocoagulation may be required for diabetic retinopathy or ischemic vascular disease.
When is intravitreal therapy prescribed?
Intravitreal medications are used when indicated for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular edema, and macular edema following retinal vein occlusion.
When might vitrectomy be needed?
Vitrectomy may be required for retinal detachment, vitreous hemorrhage, an epiretinal membrane, vitreomacular traction, or a macular hole.
Depending on the diagnosis, surgery may include endolaser treatment, membrane peeling, and temporary tamponade. Gas, perfluorocarbon liquids, and silicone oil are used at different stages and for different durations according to the surgical plan.
How are the treatment method and goal determined?
The choice is based on a fundus examination, OCT, ultrasound, and other tests when indicated.
Treatment may aim to:
- stabilize the retina;
- reduce edema;
- stop abnormal blood vessel growth;
- relieve traction;
- restore anatomical retinal attachment.
The visual prognosis also depends on macular condition, disease duration, ischemia, and coexisting conditions. Treatment goals are therefore established after a diagnostic assessment.
Follow-up after retinal treatment
The follow-up plan depends on the diagnosis and treatment performed:
- After laser photocoagulation, the clinician assesses the development of laser scars and the condition of the peripheral retina or ischemic areas.
- During intravitreal therapy, OCT is used to monitor fluid and treatment response.
- After vitrectomy, monitoring includes retinal attachment, intraocular pressure (IOP), optical media clarity, and tamponade status.
In diabetic and vascular disease, managing the underlying systemic condition remains part of preserving vision.
Facts and offers
Kazakhstan’s first specialized ophthalmology institute, operating since 1933.
Modern diagnostics and surgery using world-class equipment.
Leading ophthalmologists in Kazakhstan, scientists and experienced surgeons.
More than 30,000 operations and around 270,000 consultations annually.
Kazakhstan’s first specialized ophthalmology institute, operating since 1933.
Modern diagnostics and surgery using world-class equipment.
Leading ophthalmologists in Kazakhstan, scientists and experienced surgeons.
More than 30,000 operations and around 270,000 consultations annually.
Kazakhstan’s first specialized ophthalmology institute, operating since 1933.
Modern diagnostics and surgery using world-class equipment.
Leading ophthalmologists in Kazakhstan, scientists and experienced surgeons.
More than 30,000 operations and around 270,000 consultations annually.
Related services
Frequently asked questions
What does “retinal treatment” mean?
It is a broad pathway covering treatment of different retinal and vitreous disorders. Depending on the diagnosis, management may include observation, laser treatment, intravitreal injections, vitreoretinal surgery or a combination of approaches.
Which symptoms require urgent retinal assessment?
A sudden increase in new floaters, flashes of light, a shadow or curtain in the visual field, abrupt visual loss or significant eye trauma requires urgent ophthalmic assessment. These symptoms may occur with a retinal tear, retinal detachment or another urgent condition.
Does retinal laser “strengthen” the retina permanently?
Laser retinopexy creates local chorioretinal adhesions around a selected tear or high-risk area. It can reduce the risk of fluid spreading through the treated area but does not make the entire retina permanently protected or prevent future tears elsewhere.
Does every peripheral retinal degeneration need laser treatment?
No. Many peripheral retinal changes do not require prophylactic laser. Treatment depends on the lesion type, symptoms, retinal tear or traction, subretinal fluid, status of the fellow eye and individual detachment risk.
What is prophylactic peripheral laser photocoagulation?
It is laser treatment around selected peripheral retinal tears or other high-risk lesions to create a barrier of chorioretinal adhesions. It is performed only when clinically indicated.
What is panretinal photocoagulation?
Panretinal photocoagulation, or PRP, is laser treatment applied across a broad area of peripheral retina. It is used for selected ischemic retinal diseases, particularly proliferative diabetic retinopathy and some other conditions associated with pathologic neovascularization.
When are intravitreal injections used?
Intravitreal treatment is used for selected retinal and macular diseases. Common indications include neovascular AMD, diabetic macular oedema and macular oedema associated with some retinal vein occlusions. The exact indication depends on the diagnosis.
How many intravitreal injections will I need?
There is no universal number. Frequency and duration depend on the disease, its activity, the medication, visual changes and OCT findings. The treatment regimen may change according to response.
Which medicines are given by intravitreal injection?
Treatment depends on the disease. Modern retinal practice includes anti-VEGF medicines and, for selected conditions, intraocular corticosteroids and agents from other classes. The specific treatment is selected according to diagnosis, indications and contraindications.
Do intravitreal injections replace laser treatment?
Not always. Injections are the main treatment for some conditions, laser is required for others, and sometimes both are used sequentially or together for different therapeutic goals.