Infrared laser welding of the rabbit cornea in vivo

Abstract

The hydrogen fluoride laser has been used to successfully weld corneal tissue in vivo. Previous experiments have demonstrate the success of producing watertight welds in both porcine and human cadaver corneas. Wound bursting strengths of up to three times normal intraocular pressure have been reported. In this study, an in vivo model was utilized, specifically the rabbit cornea. Twelve New Zealand white rabbits, received a 7 mm, full thickness, linear corneal incision in one eye, and stay sutures were placed. Six of the wounds were welded with a semiconductor infrared laser, and six eyes served as controls. At two and four weeks, both histologic and tensiometric studies were performed. There was a trend toward increasing wound strength when the two and four week specimens were compared. Corneal welding may prove to be an adjunct to current suturing techniques in humans. Procedures requiring the closure of corneal incisions such as cataract extraction or penetrating keratoplasty may benefit from this technique.