Laser photocoagulation (laser retinopexy) is a quick outpatient procedure that seals a retinal tear to prevent it progressing to a retinal detachment. Private treatment starts from £950 per eye in the UK and is frequently carried out the same day the tear is found. The laser takes 10–15 minutes, needs only anaesthetic drops, involves no incision and no overnight stay, and dramatically reduces the risk of the tear leading to sight loss.
What is a retinal tear?
The retina is the light-sensitive layer lining the back of the eye. As the jelly-like vitreous inside the eye shrinks with age — a normal process called posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) — it can tug on the retina and create a tear. Through that tear, fluid can seep underneath and lift the retina away from its blood supply, causing a retinal detachment, which is a sight-threatening emergency.
The warning signs of a retinal tear are new floaters, flashing lights, or a shadow or curtain in your vision. Treating a tear promptly with laser — before it detaches — is far simpler and more successful than repairing a detachment surgically. If you have these symptoms, they should be assessed urgently; see our guidance on when floaters are a warning sign.
When laser photocoagulation is used
Laser retinopexy is the first-line treatment for most retinal tears and some areas of retinal weakness (lattice degeneration). Your consultant will recommend the approach that fits your findings:
Laser works by creating tiny burns around the edge of the tear. These heal into scars that weld the retina firmly to the eye wall, closing off the tear so fluid can no longer pass through it. If a detachment has already begun, laser alone is not enough and surgery such as a scleral buckle or vitrectomy is required.
New flashes, floaters or a shadow in your vision? These need urgent assessment — a tear treated early can prevent a detachment.
Request urgent assessmentWhat happens during laser retinopexy
The procedure is carried out in the clinic under anaesthetic drops — you stay awake and go home the same day.
- Dilating drops widen your pupil so the consultant can see the whole retina, and anaesthetic drops numb the eye.
- A special contact lens is placed on the front of the eye to focus the laser accurately onto the retina.
- The consultant applies a ring of tiny laser spots around the tear. You may see bright flashes and feel a mild pricking sensation.
- The whole treatment takes about 10–15 minutes, after which the eye is checked and you rest briefly before leaving.
Recovery
Day of treatment
Vision is blurred from dilating drops for a few hours. Arrange for someone to drive you home. Mild ache is normal.
First 1–2 weeks
Avoid heavy lifting and high-impact activity while the laser scars strengthen. Your consultant advises on restrictions.
Follow-up
A review confirms the tear is sealed. Occasionally a second laser session is needed to complete the seal.
Ongoing
Report any new flashes, floaters or shadow promptly — a new tear can form elsewhere in the same or other eye.
Laser photocoagulation cost
- Self-pay: from £950 per eye, including the consultant assessment, dilated examination and laser treatment.
- Complex or repeat sessions: extensive treatment may be higher — your consultant confirms the cost at assessment.
- Insurance: retinal tear laser is usually covered as an urgent treatment — we handle authorisation where possible.
Treating a tear with laser is far less costly — and far better for your sight — than repairing a detachment, which is why urgent assessment of flashes and floaters matters.