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Treatment of Diabetic retinopathy

Ophthalmologists often use argon lasers to treat diabetic retinopathy. Multiple laser burns to the periphery (outside edge) of the retina destroy large areas of the outer retina. These areas are much less important for vision than the central areas. This operation is called peripheral retinal ablation.

The blood vessels themselves are never directly attacked by laser. The idea is that by reducing the effective functional area of the retina, the blood supply that the retina requires is reduced. When the retina is effectively smaller, it needs less blood and the dangerous new blood vessels usually quickly disappear.

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