Application of CO₂ laser technology in oculoplastic surgery

Abstract

The carbon dioxide (CO₂) laser generates infrared light through the excitation of a gaseous mixture. When this infrared light is highly absorbed by tissue water, it triggers vaporization and localized thermal effects, enabling precise sealing of small blood vessels and lymphatic vessels. These properties allow the CO₂ laser to minimize bleeding during tissue dissection, enhance intraoperative visual field clarity, reduce operative time, and alleviate postoperative swelling, ecchymosis, and pain. The CO₂ laser has demonstrated significant advantages in oculoplastic surgery, particularly in the management of complex periorbital cases. This article reviews the applications of the CO₂ laser in oculoplastic surgery, including eyelid tumor excision, treatment of canaliculitis, scar management, skin laxity treatment, and removal of eye bags. It aims to provide clinicians and researchers with a comprehensive reference on the use of the CO₂ laser in oculoplastic surgery, helping them understand the advantages, effects, and postoperative complications of this technology, in order to more effectively apply it in practice and explore future developments.

Keywords

• carbon dioxide laser
• oculoplastic surgery
• minimally invasive treatment
• fractional laser
• eyelid diseases