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[Intrastomal refractive surgery with ultra-short laser pulses. Results from initial in vitro experiments]
M Hammer1, D Schweitzer, W Ziegler
1Augenklinik der FSU Jena, Germany. martin.hammer@med.uni-jena.de
Summary
Ultra-short laser pulses enable precise intrastromal corneal ablation. This technique allows for controlled tissue removal deep within the cornea, offering new possibilities for ophthalmic procedures.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Laser Physics
- Biomedical Engineering
Context:
- Corneal stromal ablation is crucial for refractive surgery.
- Current methods face limitations in precision and depth control.
- Ultra-short laser pulses offer potential for novel intrastromal surgical techniques.
Purpose:
- To explore the feasibility and methods of intrastromal corneal ablation using ultra-short laser pulses.
- To determine the optimal laser parameters for precise tissue removal within the corneal stroma.
Summary:
- Experiments utilized a Ti:Saphir laser (805 nm, 115 fs) to generate plasma 100-300 µm below Bowman's membrane in porcine eyes.
- Scanning the laser beam allowed for arbitrary transsections, achieving precise 2D sections with minimal energy (0.6 µJ).
- A 150 µm disc was excised and extracted, demonstrating sharp-cut edges via slit-lamp biomicroscopy.
Impact:
- Ultra-short laser pulses are validated as a precise tool for intrastromal corneal ablation.
- This research paves the way for advanced, minimally invasive corneal surgical procedures.
- Potential applications include lamellar keratoplasty and scar tissue removal with enhanced accuracy.