Pan-Retinal Photocoagulation

Diabetic retinopathy does not usually impair sight until the development of long-term complications, including proliferative retinopathy, a condition in which abnormal new blood vessels may rupture and bleed inside the eye. When this advanced stage of retinopathy occurs, pan-retinal photocoagulation is usually recommended.

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During this procedure, a special laser is used to make tiny burns that seal the retina and stop vessels from growing and leaking. Hundreds of tiny spots of laser are placed in the retina to reduce the risk of vitreous hemorrhage and retinal detachment. Targeted laser applications can treat specific areas in the central vision that are leaking. The laser is used to destroy all of the dead areas of retina where blood vessels have been closed. When these areas are treated with the laser, the retina stops manufacturing new blood vessels, and those that are already present tend to decrease or disappear.

The goal of pan-retinal photocoagulation is to prevent the development of new vessels over the retina and elsewhere, not to regain lost vision.

Who is Pan-retinal Photocoagulation For?

  • those who have been diagnosed with proliferative retinopathy
  • those whose doctor has determined that pan-retinal photocoagulation is the appropriate treatment for their condition

What to Expect on Procedure Day

  • Your treatment will be performed in a specially equipped laser room. It does not require a surgery center. It is usually performed without anesthesia, although some will want a local anesthetic.
  • Before your procedure begins, an eyelid holder will be placed between your eyelids to keep you from blinking. Next, your ophthalmologist will begin laser treatment with an argon or diode laser. The laser treats the peripheral (outside) and middle portions of your retina. It does not treat the central or macular region because this would likely cause serious loss of vision.
  • The initial treatment usually consists of approximately 1,500-2,000 spots of laser per eye. This will be done in two or more sessions.
  • Your vision will be poor immediately after the treatment, but will recover to the pre-treatment level over time. You should plan to have someone drive you home, and you should relax for the rest of the day. Most patients resume activities within a few days. Regular follow-up visits are required.
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