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Respirable particles in the excimer laser plume
M J Taravella1, J Viega, F Luiszer
1University of Colorado Health Science Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Denver, USA.
Purpose:
To determine whether respirable-size particles are present in the excimer laser plume following ablation of the corneal stroma.
Setting:
Outpatient laser vision correction facility.
Methods:
In this experimental study, an excimer laser was used to ablate 2 eye-bank corneas. Material from the plume was collected with filter paper that was coupled to a smoke evacuator. The filter paper was examined and photographed with an electron microscope. The particle size was measured with a computer program using digitized images of the photographs. As a control, room air was sampled using a smoke evacuator connected to a holder containing filter paper prior to the tissue ablation.
Results:
Ninety-eight particles were measured. The mean diameter was 0.22 microm +/- 0.056 (SD). No particles were seen on the control filter paper.
Conclusions:
The plume created during excimer laser ablation of the cornea contained respirable-size particles. It is not known whether inhalation of these particles poses a significant health hazard. However, we recommend that a mask be worn by the surgeon and technical personnel assisting in excimer laser surgery. The plume should also be evacuated.