Black spot after laser photocoagulation

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I was experiencing spots of bright flashes in one eye and went to see a retinal specialist. They performed laser photocoagulation in one eye (but did not really explain where or why). Today, 3 days after the procedure, I have begun seeing a black spot which does not move in my peripheral vision (I assume that's where they lasered) and the same spot also flashes in certain lighting. I see it every time I blink or change lighting but when looking with both eyes it does not seem to obstruct my vision (I assume my brain just blocks it out).

The doctor's office is closed so I can't contact them, but is this a normal side effect of the procedure? Has anyone else experienced this and does it go away after a while?

My main worry is that this may be retinal detachment (it is always described as a black curtain obstructing vision) but since I can't get into contact with the doctor I can't be sure whether this a normal part of the healing process or something more sinister.

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  • Posted

    Any laser treatment of the retina will leave a scar of dead tissue where the laser has burned the faulty blood vessel to seal it.It will leave a blind spot in that place. Binocular vision will not see the patch, because your brain fills in the blank but you will always see it with the eye that has been treated.After a while it wont bother you at all. The flashes should gradually calm down as the patch heals.

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