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 off ered us newer lasing mediums, wavelengths and delivery systems. Patt ern 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 eff ect 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 eff ective for vascular structures and off ers a more uniform eff ect in patients with light or irregular fundus pigmentation. Newer retinal photocoagulation options along with their advantages is discussed in this review.