To locate the leaks, you may first need to have a simple procedure called fluorescein angiography. The doctor identifies leaks in blood vessels of the retina by looking for places where the dye seeps out. Even after the leaking vessels are sealed, it usually takes several months for the swelling of the macula to go away and for vision to improve. It is not at all uncommon for someone to need several laser treatments for the procedure to be successful. Vision following laser treatment will be slightly blurred during the first 12 to 24 hours and sometimes for as long as a couple of weeks.
Some people experience some flashing or shimmering lights.
Improvement in vision is not instantaneous. It is gradual over several weeks to months. The goal of PRP is to discourage new, abnormal blood vessels from growing. To do this, the doctor makes tiny burns with a laser on the outer part of the retina. Some people experience a mild eye ache after PRP, which should be relieved by medications like aspirin, Tylenol, or ibuprofen.