Blurry or distorted vision from diabetic retinopathy can gradually steal your sight. At Eye MDs of Inland, Dr. Marc Shomer and Dr. Robert Gunzenhauser perform retinal panphotocoagulation to help preserve your vision and prevent further damage. You’ll receive expert, compassionate care from a team dedicated to keeping your eyes healthy for life.
Protect Your Retina From Diabetic Damage
Retinal panphotocoagulation (PRP) is a specialized laser treatment used to prevent severe vision loss caused by advanced diabetic retinopathy or other retinal vascular diseases. During the procedure, precise laser spots are applied to the peripheral retina to reduce abnormal blood vessel growth and stabilize the retina’s oxygen supply. Dr. Shomer and Dr. Gunzenhauser perform PRP with the Argon laser technology to preserve your sight and protect against long-term retinal complications in a safe, comfortable environment.
What Does Retinal Panphotocoagulation Treat?
The retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye responsible for sending visual signals to your brain. When abnormal blood vessels grow due to diabetic retinopathy or other retinal vascular diseases, they can leak, scar, or cause retinal detachment, leading to vision loss. Retinal panphotocoagulation targets these damaged areas to preserve sight.
This treatment can help reduce or prevent symptoms such as:
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Dark spots or floaters in your field of view
- Sudden vision loss or blind spots
- Eye pain or pressure from retinal swelling
Benefits of Retinal Panphotocoagulation
Prevents Severe Vision Loss
By sealing or shrinking abnormal retinal blood vessels, PRP helps prevent bleeding, scarring, and retinal detachment, which are major causes of blindness in diabetic retinopathy. Early treatment significantly reduces the risk of permanent vision impairment.
Stabilizes Retinal Oxygen Levels
The Argon laser precisely treats peripheral retinal areas, reducing the tissue’s oxygen demand and redirecting oxygen-rich blood to the macula. This process reduces retinal stress, limits further vessel growth, and helps preserve sharp, central vision.
Minimally Invasive and Quick Recovery
PRP is performed in-office under topical anesthesia, requiring no incisions or sutures. Most patients resume regular activities within a day. While mild blurriness or light sensitivity may occur temporarily, the procedure is well-tolerated and involves minimal downtime.
Long-term Protection for Your Vision
By stopping the progression of abnormal vessel growth, PRP helps maintain retinal stability. Combined with proper diabetes management and regular eye exams, it reduces the risk of future bleeding or vision loss, preserving your sight for years to come.
How is Retinal Panphotocoagulation Done?
Retinal panphotocoagulation is performed using an Argon laser that delivers hundreds of precise, microscopic light pulses to the peripheral retina. These laser spots gently cauterize the tissue, reducing abnormal blood vessel growth and improving oxygen flow to the central retina. You’ll receive numbing eye drops before the treatment, and a special contact lens is placed on your eye to stabilize it and help focus the laser. The procedure takes 20 to 30 minutes and may be completed in one or more sessions.
Dr. Shomer and Dr. Gunzenhauser provide this treatment in a calm, supportive environment using advanced laser technology. As a single-site, physician-owned practice, we focus entirely on your comfort. Our surgeons explain the process clearly, answer your questions, and ensure you leave each visit fully informed, confident, and reassured that your vision is in the care of experienced specialists dedicated to your long-term eye health.
Protect Your Vision for Life
Eye MDs of Inland is led by UCLA-trained ophthalmologists Dr. Marc Shomer and Dr. Robert Gunzenhauser, both board-certified experts in advanced retinal and laser procedures. Using a state-of-the-art Argon laser, they deliver precise, effective treatment to preserve your sight and long-term eye health. Schedule your consultation today in Upland, CA, to discuss retinal panphotocoagulation and take the next step toward protecting your vision for life.
