[Experimental study of the 50% damage threshold of Nd:YAG laser on IOL]

The 50% damage threshold (DT50) of Nd:YAG laser was determined for IOLs of PMMA (lathed or molded), silicone and glass. The laser resistances in increasing order were silicone 79.22 gW/cm2, glass 100.82 gW/cm2, lathed PMMA 115.23 gW/cm2 and molded PMMA 142.49 gW/cm2. The authors recommended that only dosages below the DT50 be used in posterior capsulotomy to minimize the risk of IOL damage. The various laser damage patterns on IOL were studied by scanning electron microscopy.