The use of lasers in veterinary ophthalmology: Recommendations based on literature

Abstract

Lasers are routinely used in veterinary ophthalmology for the treatment of a number of ophthalmic conditions and diseases. In veterinary ophthalmology gas lasers and semiconductor lasers are primarily used.
The most common indications for the use of diode and carbon dioxide lasers are presented and discussed. Diode lasers are primarily used in the treatment of glaucoma, either by transscleral cyclophotocoagulation or by endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation. Other indications are various forms of retinal detachments, as well as pigmented neoplasms of the uvea.
An emerging field in veterinary ophthalmology is photodynamic therapy of periocular tumors. Carbon dioxide lasers are used for pars plana vitrectomies and surgical excision of ocular tumors.