Photocoagulation of choroidal neovascular membrane (CNV) with diode laser (805 nm)

Abstract

Laser photocoagulation of CNV was introduced in the early 1970s^1-3. Several multicentre studies have demonstrated that argon or krypton laser treatment reduces the incidence of severe visual loss^4,5. Recently a semiconductor diode laser that emits in the near-infrared wavelength at 805-810 nm was introduced in ophthalmology. This photocoagulator has many operating benefits such as its compact dimensions, efficient electric-optical conversion (over 50%), the absence of cooling requirements and a long useful life with minimal maintenance^6-10 This wavelength has good transmission through dioptric media, an almost total absence of absorption by the foveal pigment and lower absorption by the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) with respect to argon and krypton laser^11-13. We verified its efficacy in the treatment of CNV.