Результаты воздействия лазерного излучения среднего инфракрасного диапазона на оболочки глаза

Abstract

Purpose. Evaluate the impact of mid-infrared laser radiation on the eye. Material and methods. An experimental laser device “Laser scalpel in the mid-IR range 2–8µm for precision surgery” was used, developed at the Vavilov State Optical Institute. The retina, choroid, and sclera of pig eyes were used as biological tissue. The experiment was carried out in air. The impact of laser radiation on eye tissues was assessed using an EVO LS10 scanning electron microscope from Zeiss (Germany). The depth and diameter of the crater at the site of laser exposure and the width of the collateral injury were assessed. Results and discussion. When exposed to a single laser pulse with an energy of 1 mJ, a through defect of the retina was observed. Under continuous exposure of the choroid to laser radiation with an energy of 1 to 3 mJ, the average depth of the crater was 135 µm, the width of the crater was 97 µm, and the zone of collateral damage was 59 µm. With continuous exposure to laser radiation with similar parameters on the sclera, the depth of the crater, the width of the crater, and the zone of collateral damage were greater. Conclusion. The depth, width of the crater, the zone of collateral damage when exposed to laser radiation depend on the time, frequency and energy of the radiation. This laser can be useful in ophthalmic surgery. However, further studies are needed to optimize the parameters of laser radiation. Keywords: vitrectomy; laser vitrectomy; photovitrectomy; Er:YAG laser; mid-infrared spectrum; laser ablation; precision surgery.