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Dependence of the heating effect on tissue absorption coefficient during corneal reshaping using different UV lasers:
Ibrahim Abdelhalim1, Omnia Hamdy2, Aziza Ahmed Hassan3
1Department of Engineering Applications of Laser, National Institute of Laser Enhanced Sciences, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt.
Physical and Engineering Sciences in Medicine
|January 21, 2021
Summary
This study simulated UV laser ablation for vision correction, finding that lower corneal tissue absorption minimizes damaging heat. The 248 nm wavelength showed the lowest temperature rise, balancing effective ablation with tissue safety.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Laser Physics
Background:
- Corneal reshaping utilizes UV pulsed lasers for vision correction.
- High temperatures during laser ablation can damage sensitive corneal tissue.
- Optimizing laser parameters is crucial to balance ablation efficiency and thermal effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the thermal effects of different UV wavelengths on corneal tissue during laser ablation.
- To determine the optimal UV wavelength for corneal reshaping that minimizes temperature rise.
- To establish a trade-off between efficient ablation and safe thermal management.
Main Methods:
- Simulated thermal effects using Penne's bio-heat transfer equation.
- Employed the finite element method for numerical analysis.
- Constructed a 3D human cornea model in COMSOL Multiphysics software.
- Investigated five UV wavelengths (193, 210, 213, 223, and 248 nm) with consistent spot size and pulse duration.
Main Results:
- Heating effect is directly proportional to the corneal tissue's absorption coefficient.
- The highest temperature (259°C) was recorded at 193 nm.
- The minimum temperature (70.1°C) was observed at 248 nm, corresponding to the lowest absorption.
Conclusions:
- Wavelength selection significantly impacts thermal effects in laser corneal reshaping.
- The 248 nm UV wavelength offers a safer profile for corneal ablation due to lower tissue absorption and minimal heating.
- This research provides critical data for optimizing laser parameters in ophthalmic surgery to prevent thermal damage.
