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Laser allows treatment of retinal pathologies with no pain, short surgical time
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PARIS — The PASCAL laser system allows a safe and effective treatment of macular and peripheral retinal pathologies, according to a surgeon speaking at the meeting of the French Society of Ophthalmology.
The PASCAL technology platform (OptiMedica) is based upon the use of a proprietary, semi-automated, pattern-generation method employing short 532-nm laser pulses. These laser pulses are delivered in a rapid predetermined sequence resulting in improved precision, safety, patient comfort, and a significant reduction in treatment time compared with single-spot photocoagulation.
"It is a very precise and safe instrument. Photocoagulation is performed with no stress for the surgeon, no pain for the patient, with a considerable gain in terms of time and efficacy," said Catherine Favard, MD, of the Fondation Rothschild, Paris.
She showed good results obtained in 15 treatments of the peripheral retina, 16 vein occlusions, 18 cases of diabetic retinopathy, 24 cases of macular edema and other complicated cases of mixed pathologies. Fundus and OCT imaging showed the regularity of laser impacts and the absence of thermal damage outside the treatment area.
"No pain was reported by 80% of the patients. The remaining 20% said that the pain was minimal. Duration of the treatments varied between 3 and 10 minutes," Dr. Favard said.