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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Dark Horse" data-source="post: 1655575" data-attributes="member: 52527">It's not unusual to have several bouts of laser for proliferative diabetic retinopathy. One reason is that the laser can affect night vision and peripheral vision and therefore affect the ability to drive. Ophthalmologists therefore give the minimum amount that they think will be effective in stopping the disease then wait and check to see if the disease has stopped progressing. If there are signs that the disease is continuing, more laser is given. Someone may have several laser treatments before they reach the maximum.Unfortunately, during this period there may be additional bleeds which can be a nuisance and affect sight until they clear. It doesn't mean that the laser is not working - it just takes some time for the fragile new vessels to regress. If the bleeds don't clear of their own accord within a few months, there is surgery available called a vitrectomy. If it ever comes to that, there are people on this forum who are happy to talk about their experiences of it and how it helped them. If you drive, you'll need to inform the DVLA that you've had laser treatment and you may need to take a field test to prove that your peripheral vision is still good enough for driving.Granted, it's a worrying time but you are in the right place - you've been diagnosed and you are receiving treatment by experts. Only worry enough to make sure you attend all your appointments and to work on getting good diabetic control, as that is the key to preventing further problems.</blockquote>

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