Diabetic retinopathy(DR)is the most common retinal vascular disease, seriously compromising visual function and quality-of-life. Retinal laser photocoagulation is one of the safest, most effective, and economical methods used to treat DR, but is associated with certain side-effects developing at the time of treatment. Given the continuous developments in diagnostic and treatment modalities, the complications associated with the use of traditional single-point lasers are becoming better understood. Today, the clinical demand for multi-point scanning lasers is increasing, but the effectiveness and safety of both treatments require further exploration. Here, we review the effects of laser treatment on vision, fundus fluorescein angiography, the visual field, visual function, macular edema, and the corneal nerve.