The short answer
Retinal laser for diabetic eye disease uses a focused beam of light to seal leaking blood vessels or to stop new, fragile vessels from growing and bleeding. It is done in clinic with numbing drops, usually takes less than an hour, and you go home the same day. Its aim is to stop your sight getting worse; it does not usually bring back sight already lost, so it works best when it is not delayed.
See eye doctors in KadunaMedically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Why laser is advised
When diabetes damages the retina, the eye can grow new blood vessels that bleed easily, or the centre of the retina can swell with fluid. Left alone, both can take sight. Laser treatment targets these changes. Your doctor may also suggest injections into the eye, alone or with laser, depending on what the examination shows.
What a session is like
Drops widen the pupil and numb the eye. You sit at a machine like the one used for an eye examination, and a contact lens is placed gently on the eye. You will see bright flashes of light. Some people feel stinging or an ache, particularly with the wider laser used for new vessels; tell the doctor if it is too uncomfortable.
Afterwards your sight will be dazzled and blurred for some hours. You must not drive, so bring someone with you.
How many sessions
Some people need one session; many need several, spread over weeks. You will have follow-up checks to see whether more treatment is needed. Plan your travel and your family's support for the whole course, not just the first visit.
After laser
Mild aching can be eased with simple painkillers such as paracetamol. Some people notice their night vision or side vision is not as good after the wider laser treatment; ask your doctor what to expect for your eye. Keep controlling your blood sugar and blood pressure, because laser treats the damage but not its cause.
- Go to an eye emergency service the same day if your sight drops suddenly or you see a curtain or shadow
- Keep every follow-up appointment
- Keep up your diabetes medicines and checks
Where to be seen in Kaduna on Mezo
Request an eye appointment in Kaduna through Mezo. The care team arranges it with a consultant ophthalmologist and confirms where and when, or you can see an eye doctor by video first.
Common questions
Will laser make my sight better?
Usually its job is to protect the sight you have, not to improve it. Some people with swelling at the centre of the retina find their sight steadies or improves, but no one can promise that in advance.
Can I fast during Ramadan around my laser treatment?
Talk to your doctor before the session. Fasting itself does not usually affect laser, but changes to your diabetes medicines while fasting need medical advice.
Is retinal laser available in Kaduna?
Usually not. Retinal laser treatment is available in Kaduna. Request an appointment through Mezo and the care team arranges it with a consultant ophthalmologist in the city.
Will my HMO cover it?
If you have an HMO, eligible plans can cover eye care on Mezo, and the Mezo desk files the prior authorisation with your HMO for you.
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Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Diabetic retinopathy: treatment. NHS. Patient information.
- Diabetic retinopathy. NHS. Patient information.
Links last checked 23 October 2026.
Medical disclaimer: This guide is general information and does not replace advice from your own doctor. Where your centre's instructions differ from this guide, follow theirs.