Panretinal photocoagulation aims to prevent progression of disease.
 

1. Since the procedure requires that the pupil is dilated, which causes blurry vision for 4-6 hours, you should not drive yourself home.
2. It is recommended that a friend or family member accompany you to the hospital. If you are by yourself, you will need to wait at the hospital until your vision is back to normal.

1. The ophthalmologist will carefully inspect your retina to assess the size and location of the problem.
2. You will be given eye drops to dilate your pupil.
3. A nurse will assess the pupil dilation and provide instructions as necessary.
4. You will be given a local anesthetic eye drop (0.5% tetracaine) for the affected eye.
5. While the procedure is performed, it is recommended that you do not move your eyes. Please focus on the spot specified by your doctor and keep your eye as still as possible.
6. The procedure takes 15-30 minutes, depending on the severity of the condition.

1. After pupil dilation, you will not be able to see clearly as more light will enter your eye than normal. This should last about 4-6 hours. The nurse will recommend that you are careful to avoid falling.
2. You may feel some tightness in your eye. Pain medication can relieve discomfort.
3. Please do not rub your eyes.
4. After the procedure, you may resume normal activities and wash your face as usual.
5. Please use eye drops in strict accordance with the doctor’s instructions.

1. Generally, the ophthalmologist will carry out the treatment in 2-3 sessions as administering a large amount of laser in one session can cause swelling in the eye, worsening blurry vision and increasing eye pressure.
2. During the procedure, if you move your eyes, the ophthalmologist may damage the part of your eye where vision is still clear, which can then reduce your central vision. Please follow the doctor’s instructions carefully during the panretinal photocoagulation.
3. Panretinal photocoagulation may cause vision to narrow and reduce vision in low light. However, without the treatment, vision may be lost completely and permanently.
4. Patients with existing health conditions, such as seizures, may experience a seizure during the procedure. Thus, it is important to let the doctor and nurse know of any existing health problems you have so the appropriate preventive measures may be put in place.

See Your Doctor
Please see your doctor immediately if you experience:

1. Worsening blurry vision.
2. Severe eye pain or persistent pain not controlled with pain medication.
3. Red eye or excessive discharge from the eye.

 
Follow-up
The doctor will schedule a follow-up appointment when appropriate.
 
Important Information

1. Panretinal photocoagulation reduces the blocked blood vessels and prevents the growth of new, abnormal blood vessels, and helps eliminate abnormal blood vessels.
2. Panretinal photocoagulation does not improve vision in most patients, but may do so in certain ones.
3. Panretinal photocoagulation is necessary to prevent progression of disease and to prevent complications that can ultimately lead to blindness.

There are no travel restrictions.

The success of the procedure depends on a number of factors. Please discuss the likelihood of success with your doctor before the procedure.
 
What if this procedure is not performed?
Create adhesions that may dislodge the retina and lead to blindness.
 

The doctor may decide to inject medication into the eye along with the panretinal photocoagulation in certain patients, such as those with too much bleeding or those with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). However, panretinal photocoagulation is always required.