Laser in Eye Treatment - Lecture Notes PDF

Laser in eye treatment Dr.Ahmed Alhashimi  LASER Laser technology has revolutionized the field of ophthalmology, providing precise, minimally invasive treatment options for various eye diseases. Lasers are used to cut, reshape, or destroy tissues in the eye, making them valuable tools in treat...

Laser in eye treatment Dr.Ahmed Alhashimi  LASER Laser technology has revolutionized the field of ophthalmology, providing precise, minimally invasive treatment options for various eye diseases. Lasers are used to cut, reshape, or destroy tissues in the eye, making them valuable tools in treating conditions affecting different parts of the eye, including the cornea, lens, retina, and optic nerve. In this lecture, we will cover the role of lasers in the treatment of common eye diseases, methods of treatment, and the benefits and risks associated with laser procedures. Principles of Laser Treatment in Ophthalmology: LASER is Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. It involves focused beams of light energy that can be absorbed by specific tissues in the eye to achieve desired effects, such as tissue vaporization, cutting, or sealing.  Lasers used in eye treatment include: Argon laser YAG (Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet) laser Excimer laser Femtosecond laser Diode laser Argon Laser: Used for treating diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears, and some types of glaucoma. Works in the blue-green spectrum and is used for photocoagulation (sealing blood vessels). YAG Laser (Yttrium Aluminum Garnet): Primarily used for treating posterior capsular opacification (a complication of cataract surgery) and for peripheral iridotomy in glaucoma patients. Works in the infrared spectrum and is used to create small openings in tissue. Excimer Laser: Used in procedures like LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) for vision correction by reshaping the cornea. Works in the ultraviolet spectrum and removes tissue precisely without causing thermal damage.  Femtosecond Laser: Often used in LASIK for creating corneal flaps and in cataract surgery for precise incisions. Delivers very short, ultra- fast pulses of energy.  Diode Laser: Used for treating retinal diseases and some types of glaucoma. Works in the infrared spectrum and is less absorbed by the macular pigments, making it safer for retinal work. Each laser type is chosen based on the specific eye condition being treated and type of tissue and the desired outcome of the surgery or treatment. Laser parameters: 1. Power of laser 2. Pulse duration 3. Exposure time 4. Spot size  Diseases Treated with Laser in Ophthalmology: 1. Refractive Errors Correction (Laser Vision Correction): Myopia (nearsightedness), Hyperopia (farsightedness), Astigmatism. Laser Methods: LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis): One of the most common refractive surgeries. A femtosecond laser is used to create a thin corneal flap, which is lifted. The excimer laser is then used to reshape the cornea, improving how light focuses on the retina. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): The excimer laser reshapes the cornea by removing the outer layer (epithelium) without creating a flap. It is suitable for patients with thinner corneas or for those not eligible for LASIK. SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction): A newer, minimally invasive procedure where the femtosecond laser creates a small lens-shaped piece of tissue (lenticule) in the cornea, which is removed through a small incision. Benefits: 1- Rapid recovery 2- High precision and long-term correction of vision 3- Minimal pain and discomfort Risks: 1- Dry eyes 2- Glare or halos around lights 3- Over or under-correction of vision 2. Cataract Treatment: Cataracts cause clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to impaired vision. Laser Methods: Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery: Femtosecond laser can be used to make precise incisions in the cornea, create a perfect circular opening in the lens capsule (capsulotomy), and soften the cataract for removal. This method enhances the accuracy of cataract removal and minimizes trauma to the eye. After the cataract is removed, an intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted to restore vision. Benefits: 1- Improved precision and accuracy 2- Reduced risk of complications 3- Faster recovery time Risks: 1- Increased cost compared to traditional cataract surgery 2- Some complications related to IOL placement THANK YOU