Retinoblastoma: Laser Photocoagulation

Retinoblastoma: Laser Photocoagulation

Learn more about this procedure and how to care for your child after.
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For children with retinoblastoma, one way to destroy cancer cells is with laser photocoagulation. Your child’s Retinoblastoma team may decide this is a treatment your child should receive.

What Is Laser Photocoagulation?

Laser photocoagulation uses heat to destroy cancer cells. It is also called laser therapy. It may be the only treatment used for some smaller tumors.  It also can be done with chemo for larger tumors. This type of treatment is often done more than once.

Laser Photocoagulation

What Happens During This Procedure?

  1. It is done in the operating room while your child is asleep. Your child will be given medicine to help them be asleep.
  2. Your child will be given eye drop medicine. This medicine dilates or makes the pupil bigger. The eye drops also numb the eye.
  3. It uses a laser beam aimed through a dilated pupil at the tumor. The laser is so hot that it burns the cancer cells and destroys them.

Care for Your Child After the Procedure

Most children have very little pain after.

Artwork 2025 by Suma Thareja 

ALERT

Call your child’s doctor, nurse, or clinic if you have any questions or concerns or if your child has special health care needs that were not covered by this information.