A new universal laser apparatus for intra and extraocular irradiation tasks in the eye

We describe a universal laser apparatus for multipurpose clinical tasks. The main unit consists essentially of a Haag-Streit slit lamp combined with a rigidly mounted Q-switched laser. The apparatus is designed basically for performing photodisruptive tasks. Radiation emitted by either a pseudocontinuous cw Nd:YAG laser (with a dynamic range of 10 W) or by an air-cooled 4-W argon ion laser energy source either may be transmitted via fiber optics into the main unit or, when detached from the main unit, may be used independently. Energy emitted by the modules and transported by specialized light cables and delivery systems can be used to perform transscleral Nd:YAG laser irradiation of the ciliary body or the choroid and retina. Probes are available for endocoagulation of the latter two by either cw Nd:YAG or argon laser light. Other probes are being developed for chorioretinotomy, internal sclerostomy, dissection of the sclera, or for other extrabulbar work. All functions are monitored and displayed by a central processor.