Laser photocoagulation for diabetic retinopathy

Laser photocoagulation uses heat to help stop the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the eye. It is used to lower the risk of future vision loss from diabetes.

Diabetes can harm blood vessels in the retina, the part of the eye that sends images to your brain. This damage is called diabetic retinopathy. It can lead to poor vision and even blindness.

Laser photocoagulation can be done as:

• Focal treatment. Certain leaking blood vessels are sealed off with single laser burns.
• Scatter treatment. Hundreds of tiny burns are made on the retina. This slows the growth of weak blood vessels on the retina.

Benefits and risks of laser treatment

Laser treatment of retinal problems caused by diabetes can help prevent vision loss from getting worse. But this treatment can also cause some loss of night vision, central vision, and the ability to focus. Scatter laser treatment may affect the outer edges of your vision.

Your doctor can talk with you about the benefits and risks of laser treatment. If you have other treatment choices, talk to your doctor about how they compare.

Laser photocoagulation is done to reduce the risk of vision loss caused by diabetic retinopathy. It is most often used to stabilize vision and prevent future vision loss rather than to improve vision loss that has already occurred. (Sometimes focal photocoagulation for macular edema caused by nonproliferative retinopathy can help restore lost vision.)

Laser photocoagulation may be used to treat and prevent further progression of:

• Macular edema. Focal photocoagulation is sometimes used in these cases.
• Proliferative retinopathy. Scatter (pan-retinal) photocoagulation is used to treat proliferative retinopathy.

The doctor puts medicine in your eye to numb it. You are given eyedrops that widen (dilate) your pupils. You may also get medicine to help you relax. Your eyelids are held open during treatment.

Many people don't feel pain during this type of laser treatment. Some people feel mild pain or discomfort. You may feel a slight sting or see brief flashes of light when the laser is applied to your eye.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have vision changes.
• You see new flashes of light.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• You see new or worse floaters.
• You do not get better as expected.