Long-term effect of erbium-YAG laser (2.9 microns) on the primate cornea.
An erbium-YAG (2.9 microns) laser was used in the primate eye to irradiate the anterior surface of the cornea in one group and the midstroma in another group after temporary lamellar keratectomy. The eyes were observed clinically up to a period of eight months, when the animals were sacrificed. The initial opacification of the cornea caused by the erbium laser application gradually disappeared over the observation period and was replaced by a faint haze. The healing process was faster in Group II (midstromal laser ablation). Some degree of flattening of the cornea after laser ablation was seen in both groups by photokeratoscopy. At the end of the observation period, the irradiated corneas demonstrated normal appearing corneal structure without significant damage to the corneal epithelium, stroma, or endothelial cells. Further experimental studies are needed to improve the laser delivery system and reduce the degree of corneal damage produced by long laser pulses.
LSU Eye Center, Louisiana State University Medical Center School of Medicine, New Orleans.
G A
GA
Peyman
C
C
Beyer
J
J
Kuszak
B
B
Khoobehi
M
M
Shahsavari
R
R
Badaro
D000818:Animals; D003315:Cornea / Q000601:surgery* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003319:Corneal Stroma / Q000601:surgery / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004728:Endothelium, Corneal / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004871:Erbium; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D011897:Random Allocation; D012453:Saimiri; D014945:Wound Healing
D004871:Erbium