Mr Brown has developed glaucoma due to abnormal new vessels on the iris. This is due to release of growth factors such as VEGF from the hypoxic retina.
His Ophthalmologist has suggested panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) to ablate the growth factor releasing hypoxic retina (look at the white scars – these will later pigment – photo below).
He is warned that the purpose is not to improve the vision but to stop the pain from the high eye pressure.