ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the indications, instrumentation, and complications of the laser indirect ophthalmoscope (LIO) delivery system. The binocular indirect laser photocoagulation system, developed by K. Mizuno and Y. Takaku in 1981, uses an indirect ophthalmoscope coupled with a fiberoptic cable to a laser optic. The binocular ophthalmoscope permits visualization of the entire fundus with ease. Initial or supplemental laser photocoagulation can be administered with the LIO in children and uncooperative adults under general anesthetic. The LIO may be required in certain intraoperative and postoperative situations. Peripheral retinal pathology can be treated intraoperatively with or without scleral indentation in phakic eyes. During the LIO laser treatment, the simplest way to change the effective tissue treatment and laser spot size is to change the distance between the focal point and aerial image generated by the condensing lens. Topical, peribulbar, or retrobulbar anesthesia can be used with the LIO delivery system.
