Subthreshold and micropulse diode laser photocoagulation

Abstract

Retinal laser photocoagulation is a proven, effective treatment for various retinal disorders. Common clinical protocols use intra-operatively visible endpoints that cause iatrogenic chorioretinal damage. For this reason, laser therapy is normally limited to levels of disease severity for which the benefit-to-risk ratio justifies its application. The use of 810 nm diode lasers in the MicroPulse mode offers the surgeon the possibility to minimize iatrogenic retinal damage. A less destructive laser therapy with a more favorable benefit-to-risk ratio could justify treatment earlier in the course of the disease, allowing for stabilization or improvement of less compromised visual functions.