Is it worth taking painkillers before laser photocoagulation? Understand!
Welcome once again to the Retina e Vítreo channel, the most complete place on YouTube for retina. Take the opportunity to like and share this video with other people who may need this knowledge.
Today, we're going to address a frequent question not only from viewers of this channel, but also from many patients in the office and even among us doctors: is there any point in taking painkillers before laser photocoagulation?
Laser photocoagulation is a very common procedure in ophthalmology. It is used to treat various conditions, such as proliferative diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachments and peripheral retinal degenerations, which can lead to detachment.
An important point to consider is pain during laser application. The procedure can be uncomfortable, and some patients may experience pain, especially during shots on peripheral lesions.
Before the laser, we drip a few drops of anaesthetic to numb the surface of the eye and make it easier for the lens used to apply the laser to come into contact with it. However, since we can't anesthetize the area behind the retina, many patients end up feeling some discomfort during the procedure.
There are studies that have investigated the use of painkillers before laser photocoagulation. A 2008 study looked at Tramadol, a strong painkiller, and concluded that there was no difference in patients' perception of pain.
More recently, a 2023 study looked at the combination of paracetamol, ibuprofen and pregabalin to prevent pain during the procedure. Unfortunately, no significant reduction in pain perception was observed either.
Although some patients report feeling less pain when taking analgesics, the studies did not show a significant difference between the groups. However, it is important to consider that the sample size of these studies may not have been large enough to detect small differences.
In cases of pain during laser photocoagulation, it is possible to adapt the procedure, such as taking more distant shots or adjusting the laser power. Some patients report feeling less pain by taking painkillers on their own before sessions.
In short, there is still no analgesic that is completely effective in reducing pain during laser photocoagulation. It's important to talk to your doctor about any discomfort felt during the procedure and assess the best options for managing pain.
Even though it's an uncomfortable procedure, laser photocoagulation is crucial for treating various eye conditions. When in doubt, always trust your doctor's advice.
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This video and its comments are not a substitute for a medical consultation and are for educational purposes only. They should not be used for decision-making purposes, which requires a face-to-face consultation with a specialist doctor.
Author:
Dr. Mário César Bulla
Cremers 28120
Ophthalmologist - Retinologist
www.clinicabulla.com.br
www.especialistaemretina.com.br
Instagram: @retina.bulla
Video URL: • Como evitar a dor da fotocoagulação a...
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0:00 Can I take medicine so the laser doesn't hurt?
0:32 What is laser photocoagulation for?
1:10 Does the laser hurt?
2:20 Scientific studies on remedies for laser pain.
