What is Pan-Retinal Photocoagulation?
Pan-retinal photocoagulation (PRP) is an extensive laser treatment that places hundreds to thousands of laser spots across the peripheral retina. This treatment reduces oxygen demand and prevents abnormal blood vessel growth in proliferative diabetic retinopathy and other ischemic retinal conditions.
Primary Indications
Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Abnormal blood vessel growth from diabetes
Neovascular Glaucoma
Abnormal vessels blocking eye drainage
Ischemic Central Retinal Vein Occlusion
Severe blockage of main retinal vein
Ocular Ischemic Syndrome
Reduced blood flow to the eye
Critical Treatment
PRP is essential for preventing blindness from proliferative retinopathy. The Diabetic Retinopathy Study showed 50% reduction in severe vision loss.
Treatment Mechanism
How PRP Works:
- Destroys ischemic peripheral retina
- Reduces oxygen demand in the eye
- Decreases VEGF production
- Causes regression of abnormal vessels
- Prevents further neovascularization
- Stabilizes advanced diabetic eye disease
Proven Effectiveness
Landmark studies demonstrate that PRP reduces severe visual loss by 50% and is the gold standard for proliferative diabetic retinopathy treatment.
Treatment Process
Session 1 (Baseline)
- 1200-1500 laser spots applied
- Covers nasal and superior retina
- 60-90 minutes treatment time
- Retrobulbar anesthesia for comfort
Session 2 (2-4 weeks later)
- Additional 800-1200 laser spots
- Covers temporal and inferior areas
- Completes full peripheral treatment
- Avoids central macular area
Follow-up Sessions
- Additional treatment if neovascularization persists
- Fill-in spots in incomplete areas
- Monitor for regression of new vessels
- Ongoing surveillance required
Expected Side Effects
Peripheral Vision Loss
Expected and necessary trade-off for vision preservation
Night Vision Reduction
Difficulty seeing in low light conditions
Color Vision Changes
Subtle changes in color discrimination
Important Trade-off
While PRP causes some vision loss, it prevents severe vision loss and blindness. The benefits far outweigh the side effects for proliferative disease.
Proven Benefits
Reduction in severe visual loss
- • Prevents blindness from proliferative retinopathy
- • Reduces need for vitrectomy surgery
- • Stabilizes advanced diabetic eye disease
- • Gold standard treatment for 40+ years
- • Causes regression of abnormal blood vessels
Modern Improvements
- • Pattern laser for faster, precise treatment
- • Better anesthesia techniques
- • Improved patient comfort
- • More targeted treatment patterns
- • Combination with anti-VEGF therapy
- • Enhanced monitoring technology
Modern PRP techniques are more comfortable while maintaining excellent outcomes.
Recovery & Follow-up Care
Immediate Recovery
- Eye patch for several hours
- Mild to moderate eye discomfort
- Blurred vision for 24-48 hours
- Light sensitivity common
- Use prescribed eye drops
- Return to work in 1-2 days
Long-term Monitoring
- Regular follow-up appointments
- Monitor for neovascularization regression
- Additional laser if needed
- Ongoing diabetic management
- Annual comprehensive eye exams
- Immediate evaluation for new symptoms
⚠️ Contact Us Immediately If You Experience
- Sudden severe vision loss
- New curtain or shadow in vision
- Sudden increase in floaters
- New flashing lights
- Severe, persistent eye pain
- Signs of infection or inflammation
- Significant vision changes
- Any concerning symptoms
Emergency Contact: (574) 366-0554
Available 24/7 for post-treatment emergencies
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need so many laser spots?
Extensive laser treatment (1500-3000+ spots) is required to adequately reduce oxygen demand and cause regression of abnormal blood vessels throughout the eye.
Will PRP hurt?
We use retrobulbar anesthesia to numb the eye completely. Most patients experience minimal discomfort during treatment, though some pressure sensation is normal.
How will my vision be affected?
You will lose some peripheral and night vision, but central reading vision is preserved. This trade-off prevents severe vision loss and blindness from proliferative disease.
Can I still drive after PRP?
Most patients can continue driving, though night driving may be more difficult. We'll assess your individual situation and provide specific guidance.
Questions About Pan-Retinal Photocoagulation?
Our team will thoroughly explain this sight-saving treatment and address your concerns.
Schedule a Consultation