Related Experiment Videos
Diode laser thermokeratoplasty: application strategy and dosimetry
R Brinkmann1, N Koop, G Geerling
1Medical Laser Center, Lübeck, Germany.
Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
|October 13, 1998
Summary
Mid-infrared diode laser thermokeratoplasty (LTK) offers efficient hyperopic correction. This study optimized laser parameters, achieving significant refractive changes with defined corneal coagulations, suggesting superiority over older methods.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Laser Surgery
Background:
- Hyperopic correction remains a challenge in refractive surgery.
- Traditional laser thermokeratoplasty (LTK) methods have limitations.
- Advancements in laser technology offer potential for improved refractive procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine optimal application parameters for hyperopic correction using mid-infrared diode lasers in LTK.
- To evaluate the efficacy of diode LTK in inducing corneal curvature changes.
- To compare diode LTK with existing LTK techniques.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a tunable mid-infrared (1.845–1.871 μm) continuous-wave laser diode.
- Induced corneal coagulations on porcine eyes using fiber-optic and noncontact focusing devices.
- Assessed refractive changes via corneal topography and analyzed thermal damage through microscopy and temperature calculations.
Main Results:
- Achieved refractive changes up to 10.0 diopters with laser power between 125–200 mW.
- Refractive change increased logarithmically with irradiation time (up to 15 seconds) using a focusing device.
- Ring diameter influenced refractive change linearly, while coagulation number had no significant effect.
Conclusions:
- Diode LTK with a suitable focusing device yields uniform coagulations and sufficient refractive correction.
- The study demonstrates the potential of diode LTK for effective hyperopic correction.
- Diode LTK appears to be a superior alternative to pulsed holmium LTK.