Broad laser indentation surface for retinal laser photocoagulation using indirect ophthalmoscopic delivery

P. Heyworth and Z. Gregor
Department of Vitreoretinal Surgery, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, England.

Laser photocoagulation of the peripheral retina is an important part of the therapeutic options for treating many vitreoretinal disorders, such as diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity, and vitreoretinal degeneration. When preequatorial retinal photocoagulation is required, indirect delivery of laser energy is preferable, whether applied in the office setting or as part of a sterile surgical procedure. The anterior retina is usually visualized by scleral indentation employing a conventional scleral indentor or muscle hook. Under these circumstances the retinal surface presented frequently is too small and irregular, making efficient laser delivery unnecessarily laborious, resulting in a variable uptake of laser energy.