Combination laser therapy for epiretinal membrane: a physico-mathematical model

Abstract

An epiretinal membrane (ERM) is a product of abnormal cell proliferation on the inner surface of the retina and at the vitreomacular interface. Laser therapy is an interesting modality for treating pathologies of the vitreomacular interface. The wise choice of laser settings (wavelength, exposure time, power) minimizes damage to the retina and ensures a good therapeutic effect. This could be a serious impetus to the development and refinement of laser technologies for treating ERM. This work investigates the biophysical response of structural retinal components, including the dynamics of temperatures and acoustic oscillations, protein denaturation, and stimulation of tissue regeneration, to a quasi-cw laser beam and a subsequent series of laser micropulses. The manuscript also analyzes the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of the proposed laser therapy in patients with ERM.