This guide offers an educational, technical overview of ophthalmic & vision care and the device technologies used in this field. On the lacrimal side, a blocked tear duct may be treated with laser dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), which creates a new drainage pathway using laser energy. As a medical device manufacturer, INVAMED develops technologies in this area; the information here is educational and not medical advice.
Background: Retinal and Lacrimal Conditions Treated with Laser
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes in which retinal blood vessels are damaged, and in certain stages it may be treated with retinal laser photocoagulation as determined by an ophthalmologist. Several eye conditions affecting the retina and the tear-drainage system can be managed with laser energy delivered by fine fiber optic probes. These procedures rely on fiber optic laser probes of defined dimensions that transmit energy precisely to the target tissue inside the eye or lacrimal system.
Core Technologies and Options
Retinal Laser Photocoagulation. Retinal laser photocoagulation uses laser energy to create small, controlled burns on the retina that are intended to stabilize diseased or leaking areas. It is a well-established technique in the management of certain stages of diabetic retinopathy and other retinal conditions, as judged by an ophthalmologist. Endolaser Probes for Vitreoretinal Surgery. An endolaser probe is a fine fiber optic instrument introduced into the eye during vitreoretinal surgery to deliver laser energy internally. It allows the surgeon to apply photocoagulation directly to the retina from inside the vitreous cavity. Fiber Optic Laser Probe Sizes. Fiber optic laser probes are manufactured in defined core diameters so the surgeon can select an appropriate size for the task. The INVAMED Horus Fiber Optic range is offered in 300, 500, and 600 micron fiber diameters. Laser Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). Laser dacryocystorhinostomy is a procedure that uses laser energy to create a new drainage pathway for tears when the natural duct is blocked. It is intended to relieve symptoms of a blocked tear duct, such as watering and recurrent infection, in appropriately selected patients. Diabetic Retinopathy Laser Treatment. In diabetic retinopathy, laser treatment is used at certain stages to reduce the drive toward abnormal new vessel growth and to stabilize the retina. Panretinal photocoagulation applies laser burns across the peripheral retina, while focal treatment targets specific leaking areas. Panretinal Photocoagulation (PRP). Panretinal photocoagulation, or PRP, distributes laser applications across the peripheral retina rather than at a single focal point. It is used in proliferative diabetic retinopathy with the aim of reducing the stimulus for abnormal vessel formation.
Comparing the Approaches
Laser DCR vs External dacryocystorhinostomy. Laser dacryocystorhinostomy creates a new tear drainage pathway using laser energy, often via an endonasal route without an external skin incision. The laser approach is generally positioned as avoiding an external scar, while external DCR has a long track record. Photocoagulation vs Anti-VEGF injection. Retinal laser photocoagulation uses laser energy to stabilize diseased retinal areas, while anti-VEGF therapy delivers a drug into the eye to reduce leakage and abnormal vessels. Laser is a device-based, energy-delivered treatment, whereas anti-VEGF is a pharmacological injection given on a schedule. Straight endolaser probe vs Curved endolaser probe. Endolaser probes can be configured in straight or curved formats to help the surgeon reach different regions of the retina. Both formats deliver laser energy through a fiber optic core to the target tissue.
INVAMED Portfolio in This Area
INVAMED's related devices include: Horus Optic Laser Probes, Horus Fiber Optic Laser DCR, Horus Fiber Optic 300/500/600 Laser Probes, Lasergade Laser Probes Photocoagulation. Detailed specifications for each are provided in the product documentation.
Key Considerations
- INVAMED ophthalmic laser probes are intended for use by trained ophthalmic surgeons in line with the product documentation and local approvals.
- Accurate staging of retinal disease guides whether and how laser photocoagulation is applied, and this assessment is performed by an ophthalmologist.
- Fiber diameter selection from the available 300, 500, and 600 micron options is matched to the procedure by the operating surgeon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the probes work with any laser console?
Laser platform compatibility is specified in the product documentation and should be confirmed before procurement rather than assumed.
Who decides on retinal laser treatment?
A qualified ophthalmologist decides based on individual assessment and disease staging; this content is educational and not a treatment recommendation.
What fiber sizes do the Horus laser probes come in?
INVAMED's Horus Fiber Optic laser probes are offered in 300, 500, and 600 micron diameters; the appropriate size is selected by the operating surgeon.
About INVAMED
Device availability and regulatory status vary by country. Please contact INVAMED or your authorized local distributor for current regulatory information applicable to your region.
Related on INVAMED
- Ophthalmic & Vision Care — product category
- Are ophthalmic laser probes single-use?
- What is panretinal photocoagulation?
- Understanding Endolaser Probes for Vitreoretinal Surgery
Important Disclaimer
This content is educational and technical in nature and must not be interpreted as medical advice or as a promise of any clinical outcome. Individual results depend on many factors and can only be evaluated by a treating physician. Figures attributed to INVAMED reflect manufacturer or published data and are not a guarantee of results. All INVAMED devices are to be used by trained clinicians per the approved IFU, and availability is subject to local regulatory status.
Reviewed by the INVAMED Medical Affairs team. Content is educational and technical in nature.