What is argon laser photocoagulation?
Modern argon lasers remove blue wavelength light, allowing photocoagulation to be achieved at 514 nm which reduces light scatter as well as preventing absorption of the blue 488-nm wavelength by xanthophyll in the macula.
Which laser is used for photocoagulation?
Photothermal (photocoagulation and photovaporization) Typically, argon, krypton, diode (810nm) and Frequency doubled ND:YAG lasers cause this type of effect. Photovaporization occurs when higher energy laser light is absorbed by the target tissue, resulting in vaporization of both intracellular and extracellular water.
What is argon laser eye surgery?
The most common type of laser surgery performed for open-angle glaucoma is called Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT). The objective of the surgery is to help fluids drain out of the eye, reducing intra-ocular pressure that can cause damage to the optic nerve and loss of vision.
How does laser photocoagulation work?
Photocoagulation takes place by using the laser to create a microscopic burn in the target tissue. The laser spots are usually applied in 1 of 3 patterns. Before the procedure, you will be given eye drops to dilate your pupils. Rarely, you will get a shot of a local anesthetic.
How long does laser photocoagulation take?
The procedure itself typically takes about 15 minutes. We begin a retinal laser photocoagulation procedure by placing drops in your eye to numb it and dilate your pupil. In addition, a special contact lens may be placed on the front of your eye to precisely focus the laser for treatment.
Does laser photocoagulation improve vision?
Laser photocoagulation is done to reduce the risk of vision loss caused by diabetic retinopathy. It is most often used to stabilize vision and prevent future vision loss rather than to improve vision loss that has already occurred.
Is laser photocoagulation safe?
The procedure is relatively safe with a very low risk of complications. Currently, laser retinal photocoagulation is the most common treatment option in many retinal and eye conditions. Retinal laser photocoagulation may be combined with other retinal procedures, such as cryopexy (freezing) or eye infections.
How does argon laser treatment work?
Lasers essentially destroy tissue in order to have a beneficial effect on the eye. The argon laser emits blue-green wavelengths, which are absorbed by the cells under the retina and by the red haemoglobin in blood. These blue-green wavelengths can pass through the fluid inside the eye without causing damage.
What color is an argon laser?
An argon-ion laser, the first component of the argon pumped-dye laser (630nm red). This argon-ion laser emits blue-green light at 488/514 nm, and is used to excite a dye in the second component, the dye laser head, where the wavelength is changed to 630nm red.
How successful is laser photocoagulation?
The successful rate for laser photocoagulation for peripheral retinal pathologies was more than 98%. No major complication attributable to laser treatment was noted.
What does an argon laser do?
argon laser. laser used for ophthalmic procedures, including retinal photocoagulation and trabeculoplasty, consisting of photons in the blue (488 nm) or green (514 nm) spectrum. Laser used for ophthalmic procedures, including retinal photocoagulation and trabeculoplasty, consisting of photons in the blue (488 nm) or green (514 nm) spectrum.
What is an argon gas laser?
A man named William Bridges at Hughes Aircraft first invented the Argon gas laser in 1964. The Argon laser is a laser system that uses noble gas as the active medium. Argon gas lasers are used in many applications such as forensic medicine, entertainment, general surgery, ophthalmic surgery, holography and as an optical “pumping” source.
What is argon therapy?
Argon plasma coagulation (APC) is a form of electrosurgery used to treat tumors of the lung and esophagus, among others. It also may be a non-invasive way to help alleviate symptoms of cancer, such as excessive bleeding and airway obstruction.
What is panretinal laser photocoagulation?
Panretinal laser photocoagulation is performed in proliferative diabetic retinopathy to prevent severe vitreous haemorrhage. The laser causes regression of the abnormal blood vessels which grow at the back of the eye on the retina in diabetic patients.