Structural Aspects of Laser-induced Damage and Their Functional Implications

The mechanisms of laser damage to the retina are described and observations from laboratory studies are correlated with those from clinical exposure of patients. The sight-threatening consequences of laser lesions are listed, and the further implications of haemorrhages at various levels and locations in the retina are reported. This multifaceted and extensive database is used in developing a system for scoring the sight-threatening potential of a given type of laser lesion in a given retinal location.