NOV 05, 2013
Laser Surgery Education Center
Comprehensive Ophthalmology, Retina/Vitreous
In selective retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) laser treatment, microsecond pulses of laser light are absorbed by melanosomes, which results in overheating and explosive vaporization. Vapor microbubbles rupture the RPE cell without damaging the nearby Bruch’s membrane or photoreceptors.