[Effects of low-intensity infrared laser irradiation on the eye (an experimental study)]

Safe doses of low-intensive infrared laser (LIIL) exposure for the structures of the eye were searched for in rabbit experiments, and the potentials of such lasers in ophthalmology were assessed. Uzor, a therapeutic laser device with gamma = 0.89 mm, was employed. The doses varied from 0.0001 to 1.0 J/cm2, this corresponding to exposure duration of 0.3 to 45 min. Experiments were carried out on 20 animals. The right eyes were exposed, and the left ones were control. An increase of intraocular pressure was recorded at a dose of 0.1 J/cm2 (4.5 min) and higher; morphological study showed dilated, well-filled and newly formed vessels in the ciliary body and iris, as well as edema and destruction of the external layers of the retina. Exposure to a dose of 0.05 J/cm2 and lower did not lead to destruction of ocular structures and increase of intraocular pressure. The maximal LIIL dose causing no side effects for the organ of vision was established at 0.05 J/cm2, this corresponding to 2.5 min exposure.