Retinal laser – Protocols and practical tips
Dhanashree Ratra, Adwaita Nag1, Hitesh Sharma2
Department of Vitreoretinal Diseases, Sankara Nethralaya,
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, 1Ocular Oncology Fellow, Princess
Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 2Department of
Vitreoretinal Diseases, Aditya Jyot Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra,
India
Abstract
Background: Many a young doctors in training find retinal
laser photocoagulation a daunting task. However, if correct
protocols are followed and checklists are observed, then
it is not difficult to have a successful laser sitting with a
happy patient. Most of the complications can be avoided
with correct settings and techniques. Purpose: To enumerate
the basic protocols of retinal laser photocoagulation and
provide practical tips including laser settings and checklists
for hassle‑free laser experience. Synopsis: Laser settings
for a pan‑retinal photocoagulation (PRP) for proliferative
diabetic retinopathy differ from those for a focal laser for
macular edema. A fill in PRP is indicated when an active
Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is seen after the
initial PRP is completed. The settings and protocols for laser
photocoagulation for lattice degeneration are different, and
various techniques of barrage laser are discussed. Practical
tips and checklists are given, which will not be found in
any textbooks. Highlights: Animated illustrations and
fundus photos are used to explain the correct techniques of
performing laser photocoagulation in different indications
and scenarios. Detailed instructions and checklists are
provided, which can be very useful to avoid complications
and medicolegal problems. The practical tips and guidelines
in an easy‑to‑understand manner make this video highly
educational for the novice retinal surgeons who want to
perfect their technique of retinal laser photocoagulation.
Video Link: [ Ссылка ]
Key words: Diabetic macular edema, focal laser, lattice barrage
laser, panretinal photocoagulation, proliferative diabetic
retinopathy, practical tips, retinal laser
Correspondence to: Dr. Dhanashree Ratra, Senior Consultant,
Department of Vitreoretinal Diseases, Sankara Nethralaya,
Chennai ‑ 600 006, Maharashtra, India.
E‑mail: dhanashreeratra@gmail.com
