Lens Fragmentation with Picosecond Laser Pulses After Artificial Cataract Induction with Microwaves

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Laser Physics

Background:

• Cataract surgery commonly uses ultrasonic phacoemulsification.
• Femtosecond laser fragmentation is effective but complex.
• Novel methods for lens fragmentation are needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate low-energy picosecond ultrashort laser pulses for cataractous lens fragmentation.
• To assess feasibility on an ex vivo animal model with artificially induced cataracts.
• To explore potential alternatives to current cataract surgery techniques.

Main Methods:

• Postmortem porcine eyes were used as ex vivo models.
• Cataracts were artificially induced using microwave radiation.
• Lens fragmentation was performed using a 12 ps, 1064 nm pulsed laser.

Main Results:

• Successful artificial cataract induction with varying degrees of opacity and hardness.
• Effective lens fragmentation with picosecond laser pulses, particularly on softer lenses.
• Demonstrated feasibility of low-energy picosecond laser fragmentation.

Conclusions:

• Low-energy picosecond ultrashort laser pulses are feasible for cataractous lens fragmentation.
• This technique could potentially supplement or replace existing methods in cataract surgery.
• Further studies are warranted to validate clinical applicability.