Retinal Laser (Pattern and Micropulse/Subliminal Laser)

Pattern Laser for Retinal Diseases

What is Pattern Scanning Laser Technology?

The Pattern Scanning Laser (PASCAL) system is an advancement of laser photocoagulation therapy for the eyes based on input from clinical experts and recent technologies. The PASCAL system uses multiple laser fibres to deliver pulses of laser energy in multiple spots arranged in a specific pattern selected by your doctor. The treatment time is effectively reduced. Shorter pulse duration is used resulting in less pain and scarring with minimal damage to the area surrounding the target tissue.

Indications for Pattern Scanning Laser Technology

The PASCAL system has a multifunctional design and can be used to treat glaucoma as well as disorders of the retina such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinal vascular occlusion, retinal detachment and tears.

How is Pattern Scanning Laser Treatment Performed?

You will be seated for the procedure. Special eye drops are instilled to numb the eye and dilate the pupil. Your doctor performs the procedure with the help of a computer and an advanced optical slit lamp.

The laser fibres deliver energy at precisely focused spots in the target area. Different fibres may be used for different spot sizes. The laser is delivered at multiple spots with a single foot depression. A wide depth of focus is achieved with uniform distribution of laser energy for consistent photocoagulation.

While treating glaucoma, the laser is directed at the trabecular meshwork of the eye to facilitate drainage of the fluid in the eye. To treat retinal conditions the laser is directed at the retina to seal up leaky or bleeding vessels and tears. With the pattern laser technology, the laser burn spots are equidistant and consistent.

Postoperative Care

Pattern scanning laser technology reduces the discomfort of laser therapy. You will have some blurriness of vision following the procedure and you will need to use sunglasses. Your doctor will prescribe some medication and eye drops to help you recover. Remember to keep all your follow-up appointments. Inform your doctor if you notice any complications or allergies.

Benefits of Pattern Scanning Laser Technology

Reduced treatment time and number of appointments
Reduced pain
Reduced side effects and complications
Improved accuracy in delivering laser energy to the target site
Improved patient comfort

Better clinical outcomes

Micropulse Laser for Retinal Diseases

What is MicroPulse Laser Treatment?

MicroPulse is a tissue-sparing innovation in laser therapy for the eyes. Laser therapy is used to treat conditions such as macular oedema, retinal tears and glaucoma.

Instead of a continuous laser beam, the MicroPulse device delivers the laser energy in short pulses with intervening rest periods. This prevents overheating of the tissues at the target site and thermal spread beyond the target area thus reducing or eliminating complications.

The duration of the pulses and intervals can be controlled for specific applications. This provides flexibility and fine control of the energy being delivered allowing more effective treatment to be administered.

MicroPulse may be administered alone or in combination with drug therapy and injection treatments.

Preparation for MicroPulse Laser Treatment

Prior to the procedure your doctor will perform a detailed eye examination. Specific imaging studies of the retina may be performed. To prepare for the procedure:

Inform your doctor about any routine medications.
Do not wear contact lenses on the day of the procedure.
Avoid wearing any eye makeup or face cream.
Arrange for someone to drive you home.

Procedure for MicroPulse Laser Treatment

MicroPulse laser treatment is a minimally-invasive outpatient procedure. You will be seated facing the laser machine. Your eye is numbed and the pupil dilated using eye drops. A special lens will be placed over the eye to prevent movement and to help direct the laser beam to the precise target area.

For retinal treatment, diseased vessels or retinal tears are the target for the laser treatment. When treating glaucoma, the laser is directed at the trabecular meshwork to improve drainage of the fluid from the eye thus reducing intraocular pressure.

The laser is delivered in pulses to the target area. You may see some flashing lights during the procedure. The procedure takes only a few minutes and is entirely painless.

Recovery following MicroPulse Laser Treatment

You will have some blurriness of vision following the procedure and you will need to use sunglasses. There may be some discomfort or irritation in the front of the eye which should resolve in a few days, but inform your doctor if you have significant pain. Your doctor will prescribe some medication and eye drops to help you recover. Remember to keep all your appointments. Inform your doctor if you notice any complications or allergies.

Risks and Complications of MicroPulse Laser Treatment

As with any surgical procedure, MicroPulse laser Treatment has potential risks and complications which include:

Eye pain
Change in vision
Mild or severe vision loss which is rare
Recurrence of the condition being treated

Benefits of MicroPulse Laser Treatment

Fewer office visits and injections needed
Cost effective

Fewer complications than with conventional laser surgery

SubLiminal® Laser for Retinal Diseases

What is SubLiminal Laser Treatment?

SubLiminal laser therapy is a tissue-sparing advanced laser treatment for the eyes. Laser therapy is used to treat conditions such as macular oedema, retinal tears and glaucoma.

Instead of the continuous laser beam used in conventional laser therapy, the SubLiminal laser device delivers short pulses of laser energy with intervening rest periods. This prevents overheating of the tissues at the target site and thermal spread beyond the target area thus reducing or eliminating complications. The retinal pigment epithelium is stimulated producing a therapeutic response without scar formation. This ensures that the procedure is safe and can be repeated if necessary.

SubLiminal laser therapy may be administered alone or in combination with steroid therapy and intravitreal injection treatments depending on the severity of the condition.

Indications for SubLiminal Laser Treatment

SubLiminal Laser Therapy may be recommended for:

Diabetic retinopathy causing diabetic macular oedema
Central serous chorioretinopathy
Retinal Vein Occlusion
Age-related macular degeneration
Retinal detachment and tears
Glaucoma

Preparation for SubLiminal Laser Treatment

Prior to the procedure your doctor will perform a detailed eye examination. Specific imaging studies of the retina may be performed. To prepare for the procedure:

Inform your doctor about any routine medications.
Do not wear contact lenses on the day of the procedure.
Avoid wearing any eye makeup or face cream.
Arrange for someone to drive you home.

Procedure for SubLiminal Laser Treatment

SubLiminal laser treatment is a minimally-invasive outpatient procedure. You will be seated facing the laser machine. Your eye is numbed and the pupil dilated using eye drops. A special lens will be placed over the eye to prevent movement and to help direct the laser beam to the precise target area. The laser power necessary for the procedure is first determined by testing a healthy region of the retina usually at the periphery of the macula. The laser is then delivered in short duration pulses to the target area. It may be delivered simultaneously at multiple spots in a uniform grid pattern that can be customised by your doctor.

You may see some flashing lights during the procedure. The procedure takes only a few minutes and is entirely painless.

Recovery following SubLiminal Laser Treatment

You will have some blurriness of vision following the procedure and you will need to use sunglasses. There may be some discomfort or irritation in the front of the eye which should resolve in a few days, but inform your doctor if you have significant pain. Your doctor will prescribe some medication and eye drops to help you recover. Remember to keep all your follow-up appointments. Inform your doctor if you notice any complications or allergies.