Laser expands therapy role

Key Points

A multicolor pattern scan laser (MC-500 Vixi, Nidek) should help laser therapy maintain or potentially expand its role in the treatment of certain retinal diseases even with the availability of effective new injectable pharmaceutical products, suggest retinal specialists who have experience with the recently approved device. The precision and reproducibility of its pattern scans and availability of three wavelengths make this laser a versatile tool for a clinic or academic institution.

" Dr. Tornambe began using the laser in mid- October to treat patients with a range of retinal diseases and dropped his earlier skepticism about pattern laser therapy a few weeks after his introduction to the pattern laser.

" Now that Dr. Tornambe has experience with the pattern scan laser, he envisions a revival of laser therapy.

" Allan Hunter, MD, a vitreoretinal fellow at the University of California, Davis, has also been using the laser for several months. Though pharmacologic therapies have become standard for treating some retinal diseases, he said that laser therapy remains a valid option as primary or supplementary therapy. The new multifunctional device is a good fit when laser therapy is appropriate.

"It's a very efficient, accurate way of applying green, yellow, or red wavelengths in the clinical setting," he said.