Panretinal Photocoagulation for Ocular Ischemic Syndrome

Mr. Shantanu Gudsoorkar, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, Taunton, UK / Patient Resources / Ophthalmology / Ophthalmology Procedures / Panretinal Photocoagulation for Ocular Ischemic Syndrome

Ocular Ischemic Syndrome(OIS)

OIS is a rare condition that occurs due to ocular hypoperfusion (a condition where the blood supply to tissues is restricted, resulting in a lack of oxygen and glucose required for metabolism, also called ischemia). The ischemic condition results in abnormal growth of blood vessels in the eye which can become entangled. Panretinal photo-coagulation (PRP) is a widely accepted method to treat retinal neovascularization (a tangle of abnormal blood vessels on the surface of the retina) which is a clinical manifestation of OIS.

Panretinal Photocoagulation(PRP)

PRP treatment uses a laser to destroy small peripheral areas of the retina. The ophthalmologist instils eye drops to numb and dilate the eye and then targets the laser precisely on the retina. Hundreds of points will be strategically targeted and treated with laser rays. This treatment reduces the oxygen demand by the retina and prevents the growth of abnormal blood vessels.

If the anterior segment of the eye is closed and glaucoma filtering surgery is planned as the treatment, then PRP is performed initially to arrest intraocular bleeding, as PRP prevents the leakage of blood vessels due to haemorrhage.

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