What is it?
A retinal laser is a focused beam of light that makes tiny, controlled burns in the retina. Depending on where and how it is used, it seals leaking blood vessels, shrinks abnormal new vessels, or welds the retina around a tear so that it cannot detach.
It is a clinic procedure. You sit at a machine similar to the one used for eye examination, numbing drops are put in, and a contact lens is placed on the eye. Each sitting takes 10 to 20 minutes, and you go home straight after.
Types of retinal laser
- PRP (pan-retinal photocoagulation) for proliferative diabetic retinopathy and after vein occlusion
- Barrage laser around a retinal tear or lattice degeneration, to prevent detachment
- Focal or grid laser for some types of macular leakage
- ROP laser for premature babies
A fresh retinal tear should be lasered within a day or two. PRP for proliferative diabetic retinopathy should start within 1 to 2 weeks.
Call +91 98306 66650How it is diagnosed
- Dilated retina examination
- FFA to map leaking or closed vessels
- OCT if the macula is involved
Treatment options
PRP
Usually 3 to 4 sittings, 1 to 2 weeks apart, to cover the whole outer retina. It protects central vision by stopping new vessels from bleeding.
Barrage laser
One sitting of 10 to 15 minutes around the tear. The weld becomes strong in about 2 weeks.
Focal / grid laser
Targets specific leaking spots near the macula. Often combined with injections.
What happens, step by step
- Drops
Dilating and numbing drops. Takes about 30 minutes to work.
- Laser
A contact lens on the eye and a series of bright flashes. PRP can ache a little; you can ask for a pause.
- After
Dazzled vision for an hour or two. Bring someone to accompany you home; do not drive.
Recovery timeline
- Same day
Blurred and dazzled vision, mild headache. Normal activities the next day.
- Weeks after PRP
Night vision and side vision can be slightly reduced. This is the trade-off for protecting central vision.
Retina laser treatment cost in Kolkata
Retinal laser costs ₹3,000 per session at Spectra Eye Hospital. Across Kolkata it usually costs ₹2,500 to ₹8,000 per session, and a full PRP course ₹9,000 to ₹24,000 per eye.
| Treatment / test | At Spectra | Typical Kolkata range |
|---|---|---|
| Retinal laser (one session)per session per eye | ₹3,000 | ₹2,500 – ₹8,000 |
| PRP laser, full course (3–4 sessions)per eye | ₹9,000 – ₹12,000 | ₹9,000 – ₹24,000 |
| Barrage laser for a retinal tearper eye | ₹3,000 | ₹3,000 – ₹8,000 |
| Retina specialist consultationper visit | ₹500 | ₹500 – ₹1,500 |
| Fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA)per test | ₹3,500 | ₹2,500 – ₹5,000 |
Spectra prices are those published by Spectra Eye Hospital. Kolkata ranges are indicative 2026 ranges across private eye hospitals in the city. Your final cost depends on the eye, the medicine, and the gas, oil or lens used, and is given to you in writing before any procedure.
Cashless and government schemes
Retina specialists for retina laser treatment
Dr. Subhajit Das
MBBS, DO, MS (Ophthalmology), FICO, FMRF
25+ years in medical and surgical retina, 7,500+ retinal procedures, vitreo-retina fellowship at Sankara Nethralaya (FMRF), ZEISS trained.
- Retinal detachment surgery
- Vitrectomy
- Scleral buckle
- Anti-VEGF injections
Dr. Aniruddha Maiti
MBBS, DO, DNB, FVRS, FICO, MRCS (Edinburgh), FACS
10,000+ vitreo-retinal operations since 2008, former Head of Retina at Susrut Eye Foundation, ASRS Honor Award recipient.
- Macular hole & ERM surgery
- Complex retinal detachment
- Diabetic vitrectomy
- Anti-VEGF & Ozurdex
Dr. Bishwanath Dutta Chowdhury
MBBS, DO, DNB, VR Fellowship
Fellowship-trained retina surgeon at Madhyamgram for retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
- Retina & vitreous surgery
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Macular degeneration
- Uveitis
Dr. Subijoy Sinha
MBBS, MD
Retina and vitreous specialist for diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and medical retina at Madhyamgram.
- Medical retina
- Retina & vitreous
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Macular degeneration
Dr. Swarup Pathak
MBBS, MS
Retina and vitreous specialist at Madhyamgram, also seeing uveitis, neuro-ophthalmology and squint.
- Medical retina
- Retina & vitreous
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Macular degeneration
Dr. Zeenat Shah
MBBS (Cal), DO (Cal)
Retina and vitreous specialist at Chinar Park for diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
- Medical retina
- Retina & vitreous
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Macular degeneration
Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of retina laser in Kolkata?
₹3,000 per session at Spectra Eye Hospital. Across Kolkata it usually costs ₹2,500 to ₹8,000 per session. A full PRP course of 3 to 4 sessions costs about ₹9,000–12,000 per eye at Spectra.
Is retina laser painful?
Barrage and focal laser are almost painless. PRP can cause a dull ache during the session; it is short and can be paused.
Will laser improve my vision?
Laser is mainly protective: it stops things getting worse (bleeding or detachment). It usually does not make vision sharper than before.
Can I go to work after laser?
Yes, usually the next day. Do not drive home after the session because your pupils are dilated and vision is dazzled.
Related
Written by the retina team at Spectra Eye Hospital. Last updated 22 October 2026. This page explains common situations and is not a substitute for an eye examination.