A new technology for applanation free corneal trephination: the picosecond infrared laser (PIRL).

Stephan J Linke,Andreas Frings,Udo Schumacher,Amadeus Gomolka,Nathan Jowett,Ling Ren,Nils-Owe Hansen,Rudolph Reimer,Gisbert Richard,R J Dwayne Miller

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0120944

Abstract

The impact of using a Femtosecond laser on final functional results of penetrating keratoplasty is low. The corneal incisions presented here result from laser ablations with ultrafast desorption by impulsive vibrational excitation (DIVE). The results of the current study are based on the first proof-of-principle experiments using a mobile, newly introduced picosecond infrared laser system, and indicate that wavelengths in the mid-infrared range centered at 3 μm are efficient for obtaining applanation-free deep cuts on porcine corneas.

Highlights

More than a century after the first successful corneal transplant was performed by Eduard Zirm in 1905, numerous advances in surgical techniques and medical therapies have dramatically improved the prognosis and success of corneal grafting [1]
First attempts to incorporate laser technology into the field of corneal transplants were described by Naumann et al [2]
The more darkly stained areas at the edges of the ablation cuts were classified as thermal effects on maximum the first layer of cells adjacent to the Picosecond Infrared Laser (PIRL) incision (Figs. 3 and 4)

Summary

Introduction

More than a century after the first successful corneal transplant was performed by Eduard Zirm in 1905, numerous advances in surgical techniques and medical therapies have dramatically improved the prognosis and success of corneal grafting [1]. The widespread use of refractive laser eye surgery and the tremendous technological advance with development and incorporation of corneal lamellar procedures have led to the emergence of new transplant techniques and the use of the laser platform in corneal transplant surgery. First attempts to incorporate laser technology into the field of corneal transplants were described by Naumann et al [2]. Astigmatism after penetrating keratoplasty is currently one of the major hurdles that corneal surgeons have to deal with [1]. PLOS ONE | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0120944 March 17, 2015

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