LASER APPLICATIONS IN VITREORETINAL AND CHOROIDAL DISORDERS

Abstract

In the past 15 years, we have witnessed an exciting proliferation of new applications of laser technology to address vitreous, retinal, and choroidal pathology. This article reviews some of these new developments. In general, we can separate the various aspects of laser applications by the mode of delivery of the laser energy to the particular anatomic structure and by the practical use of lasers in various tissue planes. Laser energy can be delivered either in a continuous fashion or in a pulsed mode. Lasers can be used for diagnosis, measurement, and treatment in various disease processes involving the posterior segment of the eye. Lasers have become particularly useful in the treatment of retinal and choroidal diseases, such as retinal tears, retinal detachment, choroidal neovascularization, and retinal vascular diseases. They have been especially effective in the treatment of complications in diabetic retinopathy, branch retinal vein occlusion, and other vasoproliferative, acquired, or congenital vascular abnormalities. Lasers may also become an adjunct to mechanical instruments in retinal and vitreous surgery.