DESCRIPTION

[b]Green (532 nm)[/b]  Green laser light is a clinically-proven wavelength that is excellent at targeting the melanin-containing retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), through clear ocular media. It is well suited for a variety of retinal treatments in which melanin is the target chromophore, such as pan-retinal photocoagulation (PRP).      [b]Yellow (577 nm)[/b]  Yellow laser light offers the clinician maximal absorption in hemoglobin with zero or negligible absorption in macular xanthophyll.        In addition to easily penetrating through nuclear sclerotic cataracts, the yellow wavelength is desirable when it is necessary to penetrate through fluid, such as when treating a retinal detachment or tear. It also penetrates mild pigmentary disturbances and so is well suited for conditions where the target lies in a region of previous photocoagulation treatment.        One of the main advantages of yellow laser light stems from the fact that it approximates the peak absorption of hemoglobin, but it is not highly absorbed by melanin in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) or xanthophyll in the neurosensory retina. Therefore, it is recommended for focally treating extrafoveal microaneurysms or other vascular lesions in the macular region that may cause macular edema.        In addition, yellow laser produces significantly less light scatter, allowing for more efficient treatment and    requiring lower energy levels to achieve desirable clinical outcome; this creates significantly less discomfort    for the patient during and following the laser procedure.        [b]Red (659 nm)[/b]    Red laser light offers excellent penetration through hemoglobin, making it the wavelength of choice in situations where it is necessary to penetrate through preretinal, subretinal or intraretinal hemorrhage.        It is also the optimal wavelength for achieving deeper penetration into the choroid to treat choroidal melanomas or other deep pigmented lesions.        It is also the preferred wavelength for treating infant eyes with ROP because it penetrates through the tunica vasculosa lentis, the vascular network surrounding the lens. Absorption by those vessels is associated with higher risk for secondary cataract formation.