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The most common laser used for pan-retinal photocoagulation is the argon laser. This type of laser is specifically designed to treat retinal disorders, such as diabetic retinopathy and certain types of retinal tears by creating small burns in the peripheral retina. The burns help to prevent the growth of abnormal blood vessels and reduce the risk of retinal detachment.

Argon lasers operate in the blue-green spectrum and are particularly effective because they are well absorbed by the retinal pigment epithelium, allowing for precise targeting of the tissues while minimizing damage to surrounding areas. This precision is critical in the delicate environment of the eye, where preserving healthy tissue is vital to maintaining vision.

In contrast, the excimer laser is primarily used in refractive surgeries like LASIK due to its ability to remove tissue with high precision. The Nd:YAG laser is more commonly used for procedures such as capsulotomy to treat cataract complications but is less suited for pan-retinal photocoagulation. Pulsed dye lasers are used in treating certain vascular lesions and some pediatric eye conditions but do not typically play a role in treating retinal diseases through pan-retinal photocoagulation.