Posters

New surgical opportunities and clinical applications from advances in ophthalmic laser technology

Poster Details

First Author: L.Gualdi ITALY

Co Author(s):    A. Hipsley   S. Shah   R. Ang   M. Jackson   E. Hsiao        

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To compare and describe the characteristics of the past & present lasers in ophthalmology and the role of advanced biophotonics in cataract and refractive surgery as well as ocular therapies.

Setting:

Literature review.

Methods:

A comparison and evaluation was conducted of the lasers used historically in ophthalmology and the evolution of new wavelengths being used now and those on the horizon of the future. The impact of these exciting biophotonic advances on new safety and precision standards in cataract, refractive, and presbyopic surgery is discussed. We further define and describe the laser tissue interaction of each wavelength related to its use in ophthalmology. A comparison of clinical outcomes is also offered as evidence of the value proposition of supporting innovation in ophthalmology.

Results:

The use of wavefront-guided lasers in corneal refractive surgery has improved the quality of results over earlier excimer laser technology. Femtosecond laser use in cataract surgery does not appear to improve patient outcomes, and it also increases the cost of surgery for institutions and patients. Mid­infrared lasers have a wide variety of ophthalmic applications including capsulotomy, peripheral iridotomy, and presbyopia treatment. These include holmium yttrium- aluminum-garnet (Ho:YAG), neodymium YAG (Nd:YAG), and erbium YAG (Er:YAG). Nd:YAG lasers are commonly used in capsulotomy, Ho:YAG lasers for thermokeratoplasty for hyperopia, and Er:YAG lasers cataract extraction and laser scleral microporation to treat presbyopia.

Conclusions:

The expansion of new wavelengths such as femtosecond lasers and diode pumped solid state technologies open many treatment opportunities and clinical applications that were not possible before. Future advancements and studies will demonstrate the new horizons these technologies will take the industry.

Financial Disclosure:

gains financially from product or procedure presented, is employed by a for-profit company with an interest in the subject of the presentation, has significant investment interest in a company producing, developing or supplying product or procedure presented