Medically reviewed by Dr. Niranjana Bejan Singh. Written to established clinical-education standards (AAO/Mayo/NHS/NEI) and adapted for this hospital. Not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Pan-retinal photocoagulation (PRP) is a laser treatment for proliferative diabetic retinopathy, an advanced stage of diabetic eye disease in which poor blood flow causes the retina to grow abnormal, fragile new blood vessels (neovascularization). These vessels can bleed into the eye or pull on the retina, threatening severe vision loss. PRP applies many small laser burns across the outer (peripheral) retina, away from the central macula, to reduce the retina's oxygen demand and cause the abnormal vessels to shrink and regress.
Who typically needs this
- Recommended for proliferative diabetic retinopathy, where abnormal new blood vessels have developed.
- May be recommended for severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy at high risk of progressing.
- Considered for other conditions causing widespread abnormal retinal blood vessels, such as certain retinal vein occlusions, per the retina specialist's assessment.
- Best undertaken alongside good control of blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol, and regular diabetic eye screening.
What to expect
- Performed in the clinic; eye drops numb the surface and dilate the pupil.
- A contact lens is placed on the eye to help the laser focus precisely on the peripheral retina.
- The laser applies many small burns spread across the retina, deliberately avoiding the central macula to preserve detailed vision.
- Treatment is often split across two or more sessions to reduce discomfort and swelling.
Recovery
- Vision is often blurry for the rest of the day because of the dilating drops and bright laser light.
- Some temporary reduction in side (peripheral) vision or night vision is common after full treatment.
- Mild eye ache is common for a day or two and usually responds to simple pain relief.
- Follow-up visits and retinal imaging are needed to confirm the abnormal vessels are regressing; more laser sessions may be added if needed.
Risks to know about
- Reduced peripheral vision and difficulty seeing in dim light are expected effects of extensive PRP and can be permanent.
- Temporary worsening of central vision or macular swelling can occur after treatment.
- Rarely, bleeding into the vitreous or a decrease in color vision has been reported.
- PRP controls the disease and reduces the risk of severe vision loss but does not reverse diabetic retinal damage that has already occurred.
Frequently asked questions
Will PRP restore vision I've already lost?
No — PRP aims to prevent further, more severe vision loss by controlling abnormal blood vessel growth; it does not reverse damage already present.
Will my night vision be affected?
Some reduction in night and peripheral vision is a recognized effect of extensive PRP, since the treatment covers much of the outer retina.
Is PRP painful?
Most patients feel some discomfort or a dull ache during and after treatment, which is usually manageable and improves with over-the-counter pain relief.
How many sessions will I need?
This varies, but PRP is often completed over two to four sessions depending on the extent of disease and how the retina responds.
Ready to see us?
Call the appointment desk, or book online — we will confirm your time by phone.
Sources consulted: AAO — What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?, NEI — Diabetic Retinopathy . General medical information — not a substitute for professional diagnosis. Medically reviewed by Dr. Niranjana Bejan Singh.
← Treatments