[Use and technic of the CO2 laser on the external surface of the eye]

The CO2 laser, emitting at 10,600 nm in the extreme infrared wavelength has special advantages for ophthalmology: its hemostatic properties and its ability to cut, vaporize, and shrink tissue make it particularly effective on the external eye and adenexae. In particular, it can be used for layerwise removal of tissue on the conjunctiva, the sclera, and the lids. Energy and exposure time are especially important. Irradiation of sclera from enucleated globes showed that these two parameters have a direct effect on the depth of craters - the CO2 laser's typical impact - and the laser's thermal effect on tissue. Technical and practical observations and the clinical results of more than 80 cases treated with the CO2 laser are presented and discussed. The low-power CO2 laser is a useful ophthalmological tool which can partially replace conventional surgery and extend treatment indications.