Laser dosimetry control for retinal surgery

We discuss the initial stages of the development of a feedback control system to provide consistent lesions across a non-uniform retina during laser photocoagulation therapy. The system will control the power supplied to the irradiating laser in the Hybrid Retinal Photocoagulation System, a system which will robotically assist an ophthalmologist in performing laser photocoagulation. Adding automation to this process will make the procedure less tedious and time-consuming for both patient and ophthalmologist. [1] Research performed during the summer of 2000 to determine a suitable microprocessor for this subsystem is the subject. The results explain the choice of microprocessor. Research continues on this subsystem which will use the reflectance signal to generate real time laser power control.