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Lasers in ophthalmology
Anatomy & Optics
Key Points
- •Laser light has three properties: monochromatic (single wavelength), coherent (waves in phase), and collimated (parallel beam)
- •The four laser-tissue interactions are: photocoagulation (thermal, 60–100°C), photodisruption (plasma/shockwave - Nd:YAG), photoablation (molecular bond breaking - excimer 193 nm), photochemical (low-power chemical reaction - PDT, CXL)
- •Nd:YAG 1064 nm = photodisruption (capsulotomy, PI); Excimer 193 nm = photoablation (LASIK/PRK); Argon/532 nm = photocoagulation (PRP, SLT)
- •Femtosecond laser = ultrafast photodisruption (10⁻¹⁵ s pulses) - used for LASIK flap creation, SMILE, and FLACS
- •SLT (532 nm, Q-switched) selectively targets pigmented TM cells, is repeatable (unlike ALT), and reduces IOP by 20–30%
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- Definition
- Epidemiology
- Aetiology and causes
- Pathogenesis
- Classification
- Risk factors and associations