Clinical applications of the 810 nm diode laser in the Caribbean [abstract]

ABSTRACT

The 810 nm diode laser has many properties and applications that make it particularly suitable for use in opthalmic laser/surgical centres in the Caribbean. Microplus, subthreshold pan-retinal photocoagulation allows laser treatment for proliferative diabetic retinopathy and Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO) to be completed in a single treatment session. This is essential for patients who travel a great distance for treatment, or in whom compliance is an issue. Laser-induced chorio-retinal shunt is a possible treatment for CRVO. Trans-scleral diopexy is more effective than cryotherapy for treating peripheral retinal tears, and does not require the expense and maintenance necessitated by the use of gas cylinders. Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is much more common in the Caribbean than previously thought. Transpupillary thermotherapy for exudative ARMD and prophylactic grid treatment for dry ARMD are effective treatments that do not require expensive drugs and their associated side effects. Diode laser trans-scleral cyclophotocoagulation is an effective out-patient, non-surgical procedure for controlling glaucoma in patients who have failed medical management or for whom cost or a compliance issue makes medical management impractical. The size and portability of the diode laser is ideal for use and travel between different offices and surgical suites. (AU)