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Retinal scanning lasers are non-contact instruments that utilize low-power laser energy to measure the thickness and physical features of the various layers of the retina. |
Important clinical functions of retinal scanning lasers include the following
- earlier and more accurate diagnosis of retinal disease
- assist in determing treatment plans
- preoperative surgical risk (cataract surgery, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy)
- postoperative surgical management
Laser scanning of a person's retina may be reasonable and medically necessary in the following clinical circumstances
-
glaucoma - glaucoma suspect
- disorders of the optic nerve and visual pathways
- retinal detachments and defects
- diabetic retinopathy
- other retinal disorders
- macular degeneration
- disorders of the vitreous
- uveitis
- visual disturbances
- systemic disease
- neoplasm of the eye
- injury to the eye
