Novel Retinal Laser Therapies

Abstract

Retinal laser therapy has been playing a leading role in the care of numerous retinal vascular diseases such as retinal vein occlusions, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, and sickle cell retinopathy since the 1960s. Although conventional retinal laser therapies have several disadvantages, the emergence of novel retinal laser therapies has ensured that lasers will continue to play a critical role in the treatment of retinal diseases. Retinal laser technology has undergone significant innovations to minimize collateral tissue damage while retaining the therapeutic effects. This review summarizes several novel retinal laser modalities including micropulse laser, selective retinal therapy, nanosecond laser, pattern scanning laser with endpoint management, and navigated laser. The technological basis is described in additional to clinical studies validating their efficacy in patients.