If the amount of neovascularization is great, laser surgery can often prevent loss of vision. The type of laser surgery that is done when there is a lot of neovascularization is called panretinal laser photocoagulation. This type of laser surgery is usually done in two or more separate sessions. The idea is to use the laser to destroy all of the dead areas of retina where the blood vessels have been closed. When these areas are treated with the laser, the retina stops manufacturing new blood vessels, and those that are already present tend to decrease or disappear.

There are side effects of panretinal laser photocoagulation and, for this reason, this surgery is not done when only a small amount of neovascularization is present. It is important to remember, however, that when the amount is great enough to warrant laser surgery, the longer the eye remains untreated the more likely vision will be lost and blindness will occur. The earlier severe neovascularization is discovered and the eye is treated with laser the more likely blindness can be prevented. If you have developed neovascularization, your doctor will advise you about when panretinal laser photocoagulation should be done.

Panretinal laser photocoagulation does not improve vision, however, it is the best possible means of holding vision stable to prevent further loss. After laser surgery, patients may still have reduced vision or may continue to lose more vision. But if panretinal laser photocoaculation is indicated, the chances are that it will prevent severe loss of vision.

Panretinal laser photocoagulation is placed on the side (periphery) of the retina, not on the center, and side (peripheral) vision will definitely be diminished to some extent. These side areas are sacrificed in order to save as much of the central vision as possible and to save the eye itself. Night vision will also be diminished. After laser, blurred vision is very common. Usually, this blur goes away, but in a small number of patients, some blur will continue forever.