LASER treatment for diabetic retinopathy

Laser is applied to the retina in 2 different ways.
If you have Macular Edema, Laser is applied to the areas of retina that are “leaking” (Focal or Grid Argon Laser). This process is relatively quick and completely painless. Your vision will be blurred after the treatment for a few yours because of the drops used to dilate your pupils.
If you have new blood vessels growing within the eye (Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy), LASER is applied to the peripheral retina in a process called PanRetinal Photocoagulation or PRP for short. This treatment causes the abnormal blood vessels to shrink away. This form of Laser takes a little longer to apply and may be slightly uncomfortable. We therefore recommend taking a pain killer before this sort of treatment. You may need 2 or more sessions of PRP to get rid of the abnormal blood vessels.