• A diagram of the structure of the eye showing the main parts ( cornea, pupil and iris, the lens, and the retina) and also the optic nerve and abnormal blood vessels that have formed on the retina due to diabetes.
• A surgeon uses a carefully positioned laser to destroy abnormal blood vessels that are causing the failing vision.
• A viewing lens is placed over the pupil and the cornea and acts as a mirror to neutralizes the refractive power of the cornea and focuses the laser beam
• There are also two pictures at right of the diagram that show what these abnormal blood vessels look like before surgery, and after surgery once they are removed by the laser. The after surgery scan also shows a laser burn and the retina appearing lighter in color.

Additional information provided are: - Results of surgery: Taken through the pupil of the eye, these pictures show how abnormal blood vessels on the retina are burned away by laser treatment. After surgery, the retina appears paler. - Viewing lens: The lens neutralizes the refractive power of the cornea and focuses the laser beam. - Laser beam: By destroying parts of the outer layer of the retina and the abnormal blood vessels, it is possible to prevent further deterioration of the patient’s vision. - Abnormal blood vessels: Due to diabetes, abnormal blood vessels form on the retina, impairing vision.