Laser endoscopy may offer alternative treatment for complicated vitreoretinal cases

Laser endoscopy can be a valuable tool in vitreoretinal surgery. It is most helpful in treating diseases in which a compromised view of the posterior segment is present due to anterior segment trauma or abnormalities that are caused by congenital corneal disease, multiple glaucoma procedures, corneal edema or corneal decompensation. Incorporating laser endoscopy into your armamentarium of retinal procedures gives you increased accessibility and visibility of ocular anatomy with elegant surgical outcomes.I treat most patients using laser endoscopy with a 23-gauge probe (Endo Optiks) and a resolution of 6K pixels, and I have recently begun using a newer 10K pixel 23-gauge probe. For high resolution, I utilize a 19-gauge probe, which has 17K pixels with tremendous resolution. A number of years ago, Endo Optiks designed a 23-gauge probe that increased my use of endoscopy in less complicated cases. Now I have the ability to insert the probe through the 23-gauge cannulas, and it does not require taking down conjunctiva or creating a sclerotomy.