Panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) is a laser treatment that places many small burns across the peripheral retina. It is mainly used to treat proliferative diabetic retinopathy and other conditions with abnormal new blood vessels.
How PRP protects vision
The laser spots reduce the metabolic demand of the outer retina and encourage fragile new vessels to regress. Treatment is often delivered over one or more sessions, with the goal of preventing severe bleeding or tractional retinal detachment.
- Performed with dilating and numbing drops, sometimes with a contact lens on the eye
- May cause temporary light sensitivity and reduced night or peripheral vision
- Central vision is carefully protected during treatment planning
- Ongoing monitoring is needed to assess the response and decide on top-ups
