Recent developments in retinal lasers and delivery systems

Abstract

Photocoagulation is the standard of care for several ocular disorders and in particular retinal conditions. Technology has offered us newer lasing mediums, wavelengths and delivery systems. Pattern scan laser in proliferative diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema allows laser treatment that is less time consuming and less painful. Now, it is possible to deliver a subthreshold micropulse laser that is above the threshold of biochemical effect but below the threshold of a visible, destructive lesion thereby preventing collateral damage. The advent of solid-state diode yellow laser allows us to treat closer to the fovea, is more effective for vascular structures and offers a more uniform effect in patients with light or irregular fundus pigmentation. Newer retinal photocoagulation options along with their advantages is discussed in this review.

Keywords

• Lasik
• corneal scars
• corneoplastique
• premium cataract surgery
• refractive complications
• radial keratotomy
• pterygium
• pinguecula
• astigmatism
• corneal scars
• Antioxidants
• electromagnetic ration
• glutathione
• lens
• oxidative stress
• 2-ethylpyridine
• apoptosis
• ARPE-19 cells
• cigarette smoke toxicant
• mitochondrial membrane potential
• reactive oxygen/nitrogen species
• Intacs
• keratoconus
• nomogram
• Allograft
• autograft
• cell-based therapy
• limbus
• limbal stem cell deficiency
• limbal transplantation
• niche
• stem cells
• Infant blindness
• iPhone
• middle-income countries
• non-physician graders
• Retcam
• retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)
• rural areas
• screening
• smart phones
• telemedicine
• tele-ophthalmology
• tele-ROP
• wide-field digital imaging
• Diode laser
• pattern laser
• retinal photocoagulation
• subthreshold micropulse laser
• yellow laser