The treatment is painless, using only eye drops to freeze the eye, and healing can take up to six months. Over this time, the swelling gradually reabsorbs. The laser technique's goal is to slow down the rate of visual loss. Only a small number of patients actually improve their vision. Without treatment, however, the vision will get worse.
Laser photocoagulation is also the primary treatment for proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
This is a much more extensive technique, performed during three to four sessions over several weeks, which has proven very effective in reducing the risk of severe visual loss. The laser is used to create scars throughout the peripheral or outer retina. A scarred retina needs less oxygen than an untreated retina. Therefore the new abnormal blood vessels are no longer needed. In many cases, they'll disappear completely after this treatment.