Retina Laser Treatments

Panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) is a thermal laser treatment administered in the office setting, typically with anesthetic eye drops. This treatment is most commonly administered for patients with certain forms of diabetic retinopathy.

This laser treatment helps to decrease (and in some cases prevent) abnormal retinal bleeding. When abnormal blood vessel growth is present, as in proliferative diabetic retinopathy, laser is used to decrease and prevent blood vessel growth. In cases of background diabetic retinopathy with macular edema, the laser is used to seal off leaking blood vessels and to stimulate the eye to reabsorb the fluid.

The treatment typically takes 5-15 minutes, however please plan to be in the office for 1-2 hours. Some patients experience mild discomfort that resolves shortly after the treatment. You may resume normal activity after the procedure, however you may want to bring someone with you to drive you after the treatment. 

Retinal Holes and Tears

The retina, found in the back of the eye, is a delicate transparent tissue that covers the interior wall of your eye.  It converts visual images into signals that are transmitted to your brain.  If the retina becomes damaged, these images are blurred.  Vision can be lost if damage is severe and treatment does not occur in time. 

Retinal detachment typically begins with one or more small holes or tears in the retina.  These holes are caused by the shrinkage of the vitreous, a clear gel-like body which fills the center of the eye and is attached to the retina.  Once a tear has occurred, watery fluid may flow through the tear from the center of the eye causing the retina to detach.

Dr. Arleo and Dr. Zablocki perform Laser Retinopexy in the office to repair a retinal tear or hole. A retinopexy is a localized laser treatment performed around a retinal tear or hole to prevent a detachment.

The procedure typically takes 15-20 minutes, though you should expect to be here for 1-2 hours. We recommend you bring somebody to drive you, while the procedure is typically painless, you will be dilated which will blur your vision for at least a few hours.