When does a patient need to have pan-retinal laser photocoagulation (otherwise known as "PRP") after ocular melanoma treatment? PRP laser is an important tool in the treatment of retinal ischemia (the lack of blood flow to areas of the retina) and in the setting of new and abnormal retinal vessels that have grown because of ischemia. In these settings, PRP can prevent the progression of new blood vessels that may cause glaucoma and blindness. In a similar disease, diabetic retinopathy, PRP has been shown to be vision-saving in the setting of abnormal vessels.  What is the role of PRP for prophylaxis? That is, just treating healthy retina that has no evidene of ischemia? There is no clear evidence that this practice is helpful. In fact, many patients do not develop ischemia, hence PRP is not a common treatment for radiation retinopathy. Furthermore, in the setting of diabetes, it was clearly demonstrated that prophylactic PRP did not help to improve vision. Finally, the side-effects of PRP include loss of visual field (becasue PRP is a destructive procedure, where healthy retina is treated) and impairment of night vision. Without evidence of ischemia that can be seen on fluorescein angiography (the intravenous dye test) the use of PRP in ocular melanoma must be carefully discussed with your ocular oncologist or retinal specialist.  For Tara McCannel's resources, visit my website: https://seyhart.com/ocularmelanoma Welcome to Finding Your Way with Ocular Melanoma, a guide to understanding everything there is to know about your experience with this rare cancer. Learn through the lens of my knowledge and clinical experience as a physician expert and passionate patient advocate. The more you know about ocular melanoma, the better you will do, and the better you will live. Let's go! The content shared on the Finding Your Way with Ocular Melanoma podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information provided must not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. As a listener, you are responsible for your own health-related decisions and must consider consulting with a healthcare professional for personalized medical advice.  Tara McCannel MD PhD is a an ocular oncologist, vitreoretinal surgeon and co-founder of Seyhart Wellness. She is also the host of the Mind Body MD podcast where she shares her passion for holistic health and wellness.

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