Investigation of High Power, Pulsed, Neodymium-YAG Lasers for Correcting Opacities of the Human Eye

摘要

This paper will investigate the use of high peak power, nanosecond laser pulses focused in the posterior chamber of the eye to rupture opacified posterior lens capsule tissue or vitreous strands through the creation of a spark plasma and associated shock wave. The author discusses current theories on the formation of the shock wave and its relation to laser beam parameters along with laboratory experiments designed to create and study shock waves and their effects in pig and human eyes. The experimental procedure will utilize a Q-switched Nd-YAG laser interfaced with an ophthalmic slitlamp to simulate the actual conditions under which the physician would perform the operation. The research will make no attempt, due to time and equipment limitations, to experimentally investigate the use of different laser wavelengths or pulse durations, nor will an attempt be made to design and build a complete surgical prototype to be used on human subjects.