Near-infrared laser thermal conjunctivoplasty

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Laser Medicine

Background:

• Conjunctivochalasis, characterized by loose and wrinkled conjunctiva, is a prevalent cause of ocular surface disease and tear dysfunction.
• Current treatments, including surgical excision and thermal cautery, have limitations such as invasiveness and potential complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel near-infrared (NIR) laser thermal conjunctivoplasty system for treating conjunctivochalasis.
• To determine the efficacy of NIR laser treatment in inducing conjunctival shrinkage and identify optimal treatment parameters.

Main Methods:

• A 1460-nm programmable laser diode system was employed as the light source, chosen for its high water absorption and minimal blood absorption.
• A handheld probe delivered the NIR laser energy, shaped into a 10 × 1 mm² line, to targeted conjunctival folds.
• Ex vivo porcine eyes were used to investigate laser-induced conjunctival shrinkage and optimize parameters such as pulse number and duration.

Main Results:

• The NIR laser system demonstrated effective and even heating of redundant conjunctiva with minimal bleeding due to wavelength selection.
• Significant conjunctival shrinkage, up to 45%, was achieved in ex vivo experiments.
• The system allows for precise targeting and calibrated laser pulse delivery via a foot pedal and fiber optic system.

Conclusions:

• The developed NIR laser thermal conjunctivoplasty system presents a promising, potentially less invasive alternative for managing conjunctivochalasis.
• The system's ability to induce substantial conjunctival shrinkage warrants further investigation in clinical settings.