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Home Patients' Zone Patient Leaflets Retinal Laser Treatment

Retinal Laser Treatment

PRP, focal and barrier laser: what to expect

Retinal laser uses a focused beam of light to seal leaking vessels, shrink abnormal new vessels, or weld the retina around a tear so that it cannot detach. It is done in the clinic, sitting at a machine similar to the slit lamp, and you go home the same day.

Types of retinal laser

  • Panretinal photocoagulation (PRP): many small burns in the outer retina for proliferative diabetic retinopathy or ischaemic vein occlusion, to stop new blood vessels that can bleed or cause glaucoma. Often done over 2 to 4 sessions.
  • Focal or grid laser: small spots near the centre for some types of leakage.
  • Barrier laser (retinopexy): rows of spots around a retinal tear or weak area to prevent retinal detachment.

What happens

  1. Your pupil is dilated with drops, which takes 20 to 30 minutes.
  2. Numbing drops are put in and a contact lens is placed on the eye to focus the laser.
  3. You see bright flashes. PRP can cause an ache or sharp sensations, especially near the edges; tell the doctor if you need a pause. Each session takes 10 to 30 minutes.

Afterwards

  • Vision is dazzled and blurred for a few hours, and the pupil stays big for 4 to 6 hours. Do not drive; bring someone with you.
  • A mild ache can be eased with paracetamol.
  • Continue all your other eye drops and medicines.

Possible side effects

PRP protects sight in the long term, but because it treats the outer retina it can reduce night vision and side vision, and occasionally affect driving vision. It can temporarily increase macular swelling. These risks are much smaller than the risk of untreated disease, which can cause bleeding, retinal detachment and blindness.

Contact us urgently if you notice

  • Increasing pain, redness or swelling
  • Worsening or sudden loss of vision
  • Discharge, or the eye becomes sticky
  • Flashes, a shower of new floaters or a curtain over the vision

Frequently asked questions

Does retinal laser improve vision?

Usually the aim is to prevent further loss rather than improve vision. Barrier laser prevents detachment; PRP prevents bleeding and glaucoma.

Is laser painful?

Focal and barrier laser are usually comfortable. PRP can ache; an anaesthetic injection around the eye can be given if needed.

How many sessions will I need?

Barrier laser is usually one session. PRP is often split into 2 to 4 sessions a week or two apart.

Can I go to work the next day?

Yes, most people can, once the dilating drops have worn off.

Related: Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment Ahmedabad, Retina Treatment in Ahmedabad, Floaters.

This leaflet gives general information and does not replace advice from your own eye doctor. Reviewed by Dr. Dhaval Patel, MD (Ophthalmology, AIIMS New Delhi), November 2026.

Questions about this?

Sadbhaav Eye & Dental Clinic, Motera, Ahmedabad. Dr. Dhaval Patel, MD (AIIMS New Delhi). Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 1 pm and 5 pm to 8 pm. For a serious eye injury outside clinic hours, go to the nearest eye hospital or emergency department.

+91 70169 12180

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