Laser tissue welding in ophthalmic surgery

Laser welding of ocular tissues is an alternative technique to conventional suturing in ophthalmic surgery. It is based on the photothermal interaction of laser light with the main components of the extracellular matrix of connective tissues. The advantages of laser welding are reduced operation times, lesser inflammation, faster healing and increased ability to induce tissue regeneration. The procedure set up here is based on the use of an infrared diode laser in association with the topical application of the chromophore Indocyanine Green. Laser light may be delivered either continuously or in pulses. Both modes have been applied clinically in various types of transplants of the cornea. (C) 2008 by WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim