Panretinal laser photocoagulation is performed in proliferative diabetic retinopathy to prevent severe vitreous haemorrhage and traction retinal detachments. The laser causes regression of the abnormal blood vessels which grow at the back of the eye on the retina in diabetic patients.

Each session takes approximately half an hour and multiple sessions (average 3-4 per eye) may be required to treat proliferative diabetic retinopathy. To avoid discomfort during the procedure analgesics such as Nurofen or Panadol may be taken before the laser session. The eye can be irritated and blurred for a few days following the laser surgery. With time, you may notice some decrease in night vision and peripheral vision. This occurs due to the laser treatment, but is necessary in order to control the proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Focal laser may be performed for in cases of diabetic maculopathy to seal the leaking blood vessels that cause reduced vision.

Diabetic maculopathy is a common cause of vision loss due to fluid retention in the macula. Recent clinical trials have proven that these cases respond well to Anti-VEGF treatments, and sometimes intraocular steroids. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy is a severe form of diabetic retinopathy requiring PRP laser surgery and/or a vitrectomy.