The application of LASER in ophthalmology is many ranging from treatment of misdirected eyelash (trichiasis) in the eyelids to burning down or ablation of neovascular membrane in the innermost portion of the eye i.e. in retina and choroid.

There are indications of laser in the management of glaucoma such as laser iridotomy and laser trabeculoplasty. In cornea, the most common application is LASIK and LASEK surgery which is for the correction of refractive error in eyes.

Moving behind we have retinal laser. Retina is the innermost part in the eye where the light coming from an object falls and is converted into electrical energy to be transmitted to brain and thus finally visualize a form object by the person. There are numerous retinal problems which can be treated by laser.

One of the most common disorders is DIABETIC RETINOPATHY.

Clinically Significant Macular Edema (CSME) and Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR) are two conditions treatable by laser to prevent further decrease in vision.

CSME is the condition where there is collection of fluid in the layers of the retina leading to destructive changes in retina which can lead to permanent decrease in vision. Laser is used to treat the leaking points so that the swelling decreases toward normal thickness and further permanent decrease in vision is prevented.

In PDR, there are new fragile blood vessels growing (proliferating) in the retina which can lead to bleeding in retina, in front of retina or in the gel (vitreous) leading to obstruction of light and permanent damage to he anatomical and functional integrity of retina. Laser is used to burn the retina in a controlled manner to make the new vessels regress in size.

Other than diabetics, there are also numerous conditions leading to proliferation of new blood vessels in retina namely, vasculitis of retinal blood vessels, retinal vein or arterial occlusion, Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP). For all these laser is required for the immediate and long term management.

Another important application of retinal laser is its application in patients with high minus number i.e., myopic patients associated with holes or tears. Prophylactic laser photocoagulation is a must to create scars around the hole/tear so that chance of future retinal detachment is decreased.

Till now, every patient requiring these treatments had to go outside the state and face lingual, manual and financial difficulties. The newly installed Green Laser, IRIS Medical Oculight GL is the boon to eye care in the region.

The said equipment has been commissioned in Shija Hospitals and Research Institute, Langol, for the first time in the state of Manipur thereby ensuring the delivery of world class healthcare at the doorstep.