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Cross Sectional Analysis of Impact of Seasonal Changes on Excimer Laser Ablation Performance on Polymethyl
Shwetabh Verma1, Juergen Hesser2,3,4,5, Samuel Arba Mosquera1
1Biomedical Engineering Office, Research and Development, SCHWIND Eye-Tech-Solutions, 63801 Kleinostheim, Germany.
Abstract:
Seasonal changes and varying degree of corneal hydration has been linked to excimer laser corneal ablation rates. The use of PMMA as a calibration material in refractive lasers is well established. However, PMMA ablation may be equally affected by seasonal variations in temperature and humidity, in turn affecting the calibration process. The aim of this work is to analyze the effect of seasonal changes in PMMA performance using SCHWIND AMARIS laser system. PET and PMMA ablations conducted in climate-controlled environment with 826 consecutive AMARIS systems manufactured over 6 years were retrospectively analyzed. Lasers were stratified depending on seasons and months of the year. Metrics like single laser pulse fluence, nominal number of laser pulses, mean performance, standard deviation, and technical performance of system were compared to global average values. Cyclic winter-summer variation was confirmed with seasons winter and summer showing statistically significant variations with respect to global values. Metric technical performance showed deeper PMMA ablation performance in summertime, with maximum seasonal deviation of 6%. Results were consistently confirmed in seasonal as well as monthly analyses. These findings could help minimize variance among laser systems by implementing compensation factors depending on seasons such that laser systems installed worldwide follow the same trend line of variation.
Insights
Seasonal variations significantly impact Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) ablation performance in excimer laser systems. This study found deeper PMMA ablation in summer, suggesting calibration adjustments are needed for refractive laser accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Laser Physics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Corneal hydration affects excimer laser ablation rates.
- Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is a standard calibration material for refractive lasers.
- Seasonal variations in temperature and humidity may influence PMMA ablation and laser calibration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of seasonal changes on the performance of PMMA ablation using the SCHWIND AMARIS excimer laser system.
- To analyze potential variations in laser system calibration due to environmental factors.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 826 SCHWIND AMARIS laser systems over 6 years.
- Ablation data for PET and PMMA conducted in a climate-controlled environment.
- Stratification of laser data by season and month.
- Comparison of performance metrics (fluence, pulse count, technical performance) against global averages.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant cyclic variation in PMMA ablation performance between winter and summer was confirmed.
- Summer ablation showed deeper PMMA ablation, with a maximum seasonal deviation of 6%.
- Results were consistent across seasonal and monthly analyses.
Conclusions:
- Seasonal environmental changes demonstrably affect PMMA ablation performance in SCHWIND AMARIS systems.
- Implementing seasonal compensation factors can minimize variance among laser systems globally.
- This research aids in standardizing refractive laser calibration for improved accuracy worldwide.
