Multicolor pattern scan laser for diabetic retinopathy with cataract

• Main Authors: Takao Hirano, Yasuhiro Iesato, Toshinori Murata
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Press of International Journal of Ophthalmology (IJO PRESS) 2014-08-01
• Series: International Journal of Ophthalmology
• Subjects: diabetic macular edema; photocoagulation; retinal hemorrhage; pain; photoreceptors
• Online Access: http://www.ijo.cn/en_publish/2014/4/20140416.pdf

<b>AIM:</b>To evaluate the ability of various laser wavelengths in delivering sufficient burns to the retina in eyes with cataract using a new multicolor pattern scan laser with green (532 nm), yellow (577 nm), and red (647 nm) lasers.<b>METHODS:</b>The relationship between the Emery-Little (EL) degree of cataract severity and the laser wavelength required to deliver adequate burns was investigated in 102 diabetic eyes. Treatment time, total number of laser shots, and intra-operative pain were assessed as well.<b>RESULTS:</b>All EL-1 grade eyes and 50% of EL-2 eyes were successfully treated with the green laser, while 50% of EL-2 eyes, 96% of EL-3 eyes, and 50% of EL-4 eyes required the yellow laser. The red laser was effective in the remaining 4% of EL-3 and 50% of EL-4 eyes.<b>CONCLUSION:</b> Longer wavelength lasers are more effective in delivering laser burns through cataract when we use a multicolor pattern scan laser system.