Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026
Development of a Noninvasive, Laser-Assisted Experimental Model of Corneal Endothelial Cell Loss
Published on: April 24, 2020
Clinical application of Er:YAG laser for the treatment of pterygium
K Nakamura1, H Bissen-Miyajima, S Shimmura
1Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Dental College, Chiba, Japan. QYJ15752@nifty.ne.jp
Background And Objective:
To evaluate the clinical application of Er:YAG laser for the treatment of pterygium.
Method:
Five patients (5 eyes) with pterygium, 2 primary cases and 3 retreatment cases, whose ages ranged from 44 to 68 years (mean 54.4 years), were treated with the Er:YAG laser. The optical system consisted of a fluorozirco-aluminate glass fiber and a handpiece tip made of quartz glass. The tip of the guiding probe was applied to the surface of the pterygium, where the laser beam was emitted. The radiant energy was set at 10 mJ with water spray.
Result:
The removal of pterygium was accomplished under topical anesthesia with a laser output approximate range from 50 to 100 shots. Complications such as corneal erosion or thinning of the sclera were not observed. However, recurrence was seen in the 3 retreatment cases.
Conclusion:
The Er:YAG laser system may be a clinically useful tool as a laser surgical knife for ocular tissue.
