Infrared lasers for corneal tissue welding

Abstract

Objective of this study is to investigate the potential of infrared lasers for cornea welding in order to seal corneal cuts done during cataract surgery. Infrared lasers can be used to weld soft tissues. Water molecules and also protein molecules such as collagen absorb the infrared energy and a temperature gradient can be created at the application site. Corneal welding is rather a new application area in laser medicine, and few studies reported successful welding dose for different infrared wavelengths. Different laser wavelengths were studied comparatively in the present research. Diode lasers (809-nm and 980-nm), a fiber laser (1070-nm) and a Tm: YAP lasers (1985-nm) were used in a power range of 200mW-3W. In vitro experiments were performed on a total of 60 freshly enucleated bovine eyes. Full thickness, one-plane 3.2 mm long clear corneal cuts were done using a pre-calibrated knife. Laser power, irradiation duration, energy density and spot size were the parameters used and histological indicators of photothermal effect were observed. According to preliminary results; 1070-nm YLF laser and 1985-nm Tm:YAP laser were selected for further investigation. Histological examination of hematoxylin-eosin stained samples revealed that 1070-nm and 1985-nm laser wavelengths have a great potential for corneal welding.|Keywords: cornea laser tissue welding, clear corneal cut, 809-nm diode laser, 980-nm diode laser, 1070-nm fiber laser, 1985 Tm: Yap laser