Diabetic retinopathy surgery

Diabetic retinopathy surgery, also referred to as scatter laser surgery or panretinal photocoagulation, is indicated for treating and preventing further complications from diabetic eye disease. The goal of this surgery is to coagulate the arteries onthe retina that are impairing vision in poorly treated diabetes. This procedure lasts around 45 minutes and is an outpatient procedure done under local anesthesia. Before the surgery, drops for anesthesia will be administered and the pupil is dilated. A special holder will be placed in your eye to keep you from moving it while your doctor uses the laser. Occasionally, for complete treatment, this procedure may need to be repeated a couple of times.