Time dependence of laser-induced retinal thermal injury

Abstract

The threshold for laser-induced thermal retinal injury varies with the duration of the laser exposure and the MPEs as given in the laser safety guidelines are expected to define exposure levels not anticipated to result in retinal injury across the entire range of exposure durations. The form of the time dependence of the MPE for laser retinal exposures was established in 1972 based on the experimentally determined threshold data available at that time. More threshold data has accumulated since 1972. This paper compares the currently available time dependent threshold data to the MPE as defined in the most recent version of the laser safety guidelinesThe threshold for laser-induced thermal retinal injury varies with the duration of the laser exposure and the MPEs as given in the laser safety guidelines are expected to define exposure levels not anticipated to result in retinal injury across the entire range of exposure durations. The form of the time dependence of the MPE for laser retinal exposures was established in 1972 based on the experimentally determined threshold data available at that time. More threshold data has accumulated since 1972. This paper compares the currently available time dependent threshold data to the MPE as defined in the most recent version of the laser safety guidelines