Proliferative retinopathy is an eye condition in which new blood vessels form and then rupture and bleed inside the eye. When this occurs, the treatment of choice is Pan-Retinal Photocoagulation.
Pan-Retinal Photocoagulation requires the use of a special laser that seals the retina to reduce the risk of retinal leaking and retinal detachment.
On your procedure day, you will be treated in a special laser exam room. Your eye will be numbed using anesthesia drops, and an eyelid holder will be placed between the eyelids to prevent blinking during the procedure. The physician will begin treating the outside and middle areas of your retina, using between 1500 and 2000 bursts of laser per eye. This may be done in two or more sessions.
After your procedure, your vision will be poor, but it will soon recover to what it was prior to the procedure. This procedure does not improve vision, but is intended to preserve the vision you currently have. You should also be aware that this treatment weakens peripheral vision in order to save central vision and the eye itself. Plan to have a driver with you on your procedure day.
Risks with this procedure are extremely rare, but minimize the possibility by going to a specialist experienced in performing this procedure.
Your ophthalmic caregivers may give you reading material explaining the procedure.
Need help? Reach out to us today at 239-542-2020.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Always seek the advice of your physician or the other qualified health care provider.
