Investigating the structural integrity and cellular responses of localized re-treatment using a nanosecond laser (2RT) for early age-related macular degeneration.
Wausau, WI (November 16, 2016) – Research conducted by Glyn Chidlow DPhil, Malcolm Plunkett, Robert J. Casson DPhil, and John P.M. Wood DPhil, was selected as Editor’s Choice in the August 2016 issue of Lasers in Surgery and Medicine (LSM).
The manuscript titled, “Investigations into localized re-treatment of the retina with a 3-nanosecond laser” was published in LSM, the official journal of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, Inc. (ASLMS).
The first line of treatment for diabetic macular edema (DME) and retinal vein occlusions has typically been retinal laser photocoagulation. The recent introduction of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) has revolutionized the management of these conditions. In addition to pharmacotherapy, macular lasers continue to gain support as an expanding treatment option.
"Subvisible retinal lasers cause clinically invisible lesions and can inadvertently be targeted at the same location during a subsequent treatment session. Herein we demonstrate that repeat laser administration in rats caused identical tissue responses and no adverse effects. The results provide a measure of confidence that localized re-treatment of patients should not endanger vision.” stated Dr. Chidlow.
Dr. Chidlow completed his doctoral and post-doctoral studies at the University of Oxford, before moving to Adelaide, Australia to establish a basic science ophthalmic research group. He is currently a senior research scientist at the University of Adelaide. He is an internationally recognized ophthalmic scientist with special interests in glaucoma, retinal pathology, neuroprotection, and the use of lasers to treat retinal diseases. He has been collaborating with Adelaide-based, Ellex Medical Lasers for a number of years with the goal of investigating the safety and therapeutic potential of nanosecond lasers for treatment of age-related macular degeneration and other blinding diseases. He has more than 90 publications in international, peer-reviewed, scientific journals, predominantly in leading ophthalmology or neuroscience journal.
Editor’s Choice is an exclusive article published in LSM, the official journal of the ASLMS. View the complete manuscript.
The American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, Inc. (ASLMS) is the largest multi-disciplinary professional organization, dedicated to the development and application of lasers and related technology for health care applications. ASLMS promotes excellence in patient care by advancing biomedical application of lasers and other related technologies worldwide. Currently, ASLMS has over 4,000 members, including physicians and surgeons representing more than 51 specialties, physicists involved in product development, biomedical engineers, biologists, nurses, industry representatives and manufacturers.