Experimental studies of laser thermal retinal injury

In damage tests conducted on rabbit and monkey eyes, the threshold values for retinal damage resulting from different laser radiation were determined. The reproduction of the "worst-case" situation was ensured by the test apparatus. All physical parameters, such as power/energy, exposure time, and retinal spot, were carefully controlled. Probit analysis showed a very precise determination of the threshold values based on ophthalmoscopical visibility. The attempt of a simple physical interpretation of the thresholds leads to contradictions in major points, so a detailed calculation of damage functions and thermal model calculations are necessary.