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Better precision, more precise patterns in newer generation retinal lasers
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CHICAGO — The development and introduction of pharmacotherapeutics has dramatically improved retinal practice, but lasers will continue to be a critical patient management tool, according to a speaker here.
Recent developments from industry have improved precision, safety, patient comfort and physician efficiency with lasers, Mark S. Blumenkranz, MD, said here at Retina Subspecialty Day preceding the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Middle East Africa Council of Ophthalmology.
Notably, newer lasers have allowed greater surgeon control over laser patterns. In turn, such "selective photocoagulation" is becoming the gold standard in laser retinal therapy because they offer a less invasive treatment, Dr. Blumenkranz said.
Greater pattern control has resulted from shorter pulse duration, which has both positive and negative implications. While shorter pulse potentially yields less collateral retinal damage, more burns are required because lesion width and depth is reduced to treat the affected area; therefore, the total amount of energy delivered to the retina may be over- or underestimated.
In the future, image-guided lasers may aid the surgeon with even greater precision, which, in turn, should translate to even better patient safety.