Panretinal Photocoagulation

Panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) is a medical treatment for various retinal conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and retinal vein occlusion. It is a laser therapy that is used to treat the retina with a beam of high-energy light. PRP works by using laser energy to create small burns on the retina, which help prevent abnormal blood vessels from growing and causing vision loss.

During the PRP procedure, a patient's eyes will be dilated, and they will receive anesthetic eye drops to numb the area around the eye. The ophthalmologist will then use a special laser to direct a series of small laser pulses to the retina, creating multiple small burns that help to stop the abnormal blood vessels from growing. The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour, and patients may experience some discomfort during the procedure.

After the PRP procedure, patients may experience some temporary vision changes such as blurriness or sensitivity to light. These side effects usually subside within a few days. Patients will need to schedule follow-up appointments with their ophthalmologist to monitor their progress and determine if further treatment is necessary. PRP can be a highly effective treatment option for retinal conditions, and patients should speak to their ophthalmologist to determine if it is right for them.