Panretinal Photocoagulation (PRP)
Also known as Scatter Laser, Retina Laser, Diabetic Retinopathy Laser, Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment
Bottom Line
Panretinal photocoagulation is scatter laser for severe diabetic retinopathy. It treats the side retina to make dangerous new blood vessels shrink.
Panretinal photocoagulation treats proliferative diabetic retinopathy. That stage grows fragile new vessels that can bleed or pull on the retina 1.
The laser places many small burns in the side retina. This lowers the oxygen-starved signal that drives new vessel growth.
Eye injections are another major option. A five-year trial compared ranibizumab injections with panretinal photocoagulation for proliferative diabetic retinopathy 2.
How It Works
Severe diabetic retinopathy makes the retina release vessel-growth signals. Fragile new vessels can then grow and bleed.
Scatter laser treats the side retina. This lowers the signal and helps abnormal vessels shrink.
The laser does not remove diabetes. Blood sugar, blood pressure, and kidney care still matter.
Who It Helps
This laser is mainly for proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
- New vessels on the retina. Laser can help them shrink.
- New vessels near the optic nerve. These can bleed.
- Vitreous bleeding. Laser may be used when the view is clear enough.
It is not the usual laser for small leaking spots near the macula.
Risks And Side Effects
Side effects can include dimmer side vision, reduced night vision, blurry vision, and swelling in the macula.
Some eyes need more than one laser session. Some still need injections or surgery later.
Call your retina specialist for sudden new bleeding, a curtain, severe pain, or a major vision drop.
Cost And Insurance
This is usually covered by medical insurance when diabetic retinopathy is severe enough.
Costs depend on office fees, imaging, number of sessions, and whether injections are also needed.
Ask whether the laser, photographs, scans, and follow-up visits are billed separately.
Common Questions About Panretinal Photocoagulation
Next Steps
- 1See a retina specialist promptly if new vessels or diabetic bleeding are found.
- 2Ask whether laser, injections, or both fit your eye.
- 3Arrange a ride because your pupils will be dilated.
- 4Keep every follow-up visit after laser.
- 5Work with your diabetes clinician on blood sugar and blood pressure goals.
Find specialists for Panretinal Photocoagulation (PRP)
Board-certified ophthalmologists who treat Panretinal Photocoagulation (PRP).
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