Paralimbal laser probe

Abstract

A probe as disclosed herein is capable of treating both the Schlemm's canal (SC) and the trabecular meshwork (TM), or both the pars plicata and the iris root site of the eye, with electromagnetic radiation (e.g., laser light) to improve aqueous humor outflow and thus decrease intraocular pressure (IOP). The laser probe can include a tip capable of being placed on an eye, such as on a corneal limbus or a scleral limbal area of the eye. The tip can include an optical waveguide angled to direct laser light through both the SC and TM, or both the pars plicata and the iris root site of the eye. The laser light can be continuous or pulsed, and can be configured to provide appropriate therapy to both the SC and TM, or to both the pars plicata and the iris root site. The laser probe can facilitate performing trans-scleral trabeculoplasty treatment, especially trans-scleral Schlemm trabeculoplasty, and performing iridoplasty treatment.

Description

technical field [0001] The present disclosure relates generally to ophthalmic treatments, and more particularly to laser probes for trabeculoplasty. Background technique [0002] Higher than normal intraocular pressure (IOP) is considered to be an important factor in the development or exacerbation of various eye diseases such as glaucoma. Higher-than-normal intraocular pressure can be reduced or avoided by increasing the outflow of aqueous humor from the eye. The aqueous humor carried by the aqueous humor outflow path passes through the trabecular meshwork (TM) from the anterior chamber, enters the Schlemm's canal (SC), and then flows into the blood system. [0003] Argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) and selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) are two procedures used to treat various eye conditions by increasing the outflow of aqueous humor from the eye. technology. Typically, ALT and SLT operate by focusing electromagnetic energy (e.g., laser light) onto the TM, which caus...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, firing a laser at each of these points along the TM causes the death of many cells along these tissues

In addition, operator error can lead to various complications

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