Preliminary results on reflectance feedback control of photocoagulation in vivo

The size of therapeutic laser-induced retinal lesions is critical for effective treatment and minimal complications. Due to tissue variability, the size of a lesion that results from a given set of laser irradiation parameters cannot be predicted. Real time feedback control of lesion size is implemented based on two-dimensional reflectance images acquired during irradiation. Preliminary results of feedback controlled lesions formed in pigmented rabbits demonstrate an ability to produce uniform lesions despite variations in tissue absorption or changes in laser power.