The effect of various media and probe angles on the power output of the Cyclo G6 Glaucoma Laser System

To evaluate the effect of various media and Iridex MicroPulse P3 (MP3) probe angles on the power output from the Cyclo G6 Glaucoma Laser (G6) System. A laser power meter was used to measure the power output (milliwatts, mW) of the Cyclo G6 System. Each of the ten trials consisted of measurements in six different media: no substrate, balanced salt solution (BSS), artificial tears (AT), tetracaine eye drop, lubricating ointment, and lidocaine gel. The output of the MP3 probe was measured at an angle of 90° and 45°, submerged in the respective media. The output was also measured with the probe held at 90° but above the medium. The mean power outputs with the probe being held at 90° to the sensor with no substrate, BSS, AT, tetracaine eye drop, lubricating ointment, and lidocaine gel were 358 ± 16.8 mW, 612 ± 14.2 mW, 613 ± 13.3 mW, 612 ± 14.0 mW, 620 ± 9.9 mW, and 610 ± 12.2 mW, respectively. These values were statistically higher than noncontact and 45° probe angles for each medium. The values between any two media (excluding no substrate) at a 90° probe angle with full contact were not statistically significant. The highest output of the G6 System was obtained with a 90° probe angle, with full contact and any of the coupling media.