About PRP Laser Treatment
At Retina Consultants of Texas, we use panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) laser treatment to treat abnormal blood vessel growth in the eye, helping to reduce the risk of severe vision loss and blindness in patients with conditions like diabetic retinopathy and retinal vein occlusion.PRP laser treatment is performed in our office by our experienced and sub-specialty trained retina physicians. This nonsurgical treatment is customized for each patient and guided by specific diagnostic test results such as ocular coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography (FA). The PRP laser can be used alone or in combination with other medical or surgical treatments, depending upon your specific condition.
Treatment Techniques
Prior to beginning the laser treatment, we will apply drops to numb and dilate your eye. Sometimes additional local anesthesia is injected around the eye. Your Retina Consultants of Texas doctor may also place a special contact lens on the eye to stabilize it during your treatment. Once the eye is prepped, your physician will use the the PRP laser to make hundreds of scattered burns around the periphery of the retina. This takes about 15 minutes and helps to prevent neovascularization which is the development of new blood vessels. Once your treatment is complete, your physician may place a patch over the treated eye.
After Treatment
You will be sent home to recover soon after your treatment. We will give you details on how to best care for your eye after the laser surgery and will also schedule your follow-up appointments before you leave. Your eye may ache for a day or two after PRP laser therapy, and you may also experience blurry vision for a few days.
Multiple laser sessions may be required to achieve the desired results. Medical treatment for your condition may also involve the use of intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF medications such as Lucentis, Avastin or Eylea, or steroids.
