METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR TREATMENT OF OCULAR MELANOSIS

摘要

The invention entails a novel system and method for modifying scleral pigmentation. More particularly, the invention entails a novel system and method for treating Ocular Melanosis (OM). The invention contemplates a system and method for treating OM that uses lasers with modified pulse widths and low power to whiten the sclera without causing damage to the retina. Ultimately, a system has been developed that uses of low laser pulse fluences considerably less than those used for treating nevus of Ota on the skin. The system limits the risk of retinal injury by use of (a) a small exposure spot size and (b) a high numerical aperture (NA) optical beam with fluences of between about 0.5 J/cm<2> and 5.0 J/Am<2>, significantly lower than many currently available laser treatments. In a preferred embodiment, the system of the invention uses a laser with a wavelength in the visible and near-infrared spectrum and a pulse width from about 1 ns - 100 microseconds.