Helsinki University Central Hospital, Department of Ophthalmology: Acquisition of Scanning Laser for the treatment of retinal disorders.

Scientists have developed a laser device that delivers 2–49 short-duration laser burns near-simultaneously in a computer-defined pattern in the targeted section of the retina. The invention is a significant step forward in the development of laser equipment. The rapid application of burns minimises the duration of the treatment, which benefits both the patient and the health care unit.

The significant increase in the number of diabetic patients adds to the need for treatment. Elderly patients also suffer from problems such as neovascularization (formation of new blood vessels) caused by blood vessel occlusion in the fundus of the eye, or with neovascular glaucoma, which may in extreme cases cause total vision loss. These problems require extensive laser treatment.

The donation sum is EUR 92,700.