title: Anterior stromal puncture with the Nd:YAG laser.
abstract: A simple and consistent puncture of the anterior stroma was created with the neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser in a rabbit model. Varying energy levels were tested, and settings at 2.0 mJ produced well-formed anterior stromal breaks. The laser shock wave disrupted Descemet's membrane in only 1 of 50 animals. The wound healed normally in vivo over a 3-month period. Compared to needle puncture, the laser puncture created less stromal scarring. Initial human studies also showed that energy levels from 1.5-2.5 mJ were sufficient to create local breaks in Bowman's layer. Further human studies will be needed to determine if Nd:YAG laser puncture offers any advantages over current techniques for stromal puncture in the treatment of traumatic recurrent corneal erosions.
authors.affiliation: Virginia Mason Clinic, Seattle, Washington 98111.
authors.forename: H S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Geggel
authors.forename: C E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Maza
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003315:Cornea / Q000601:surgery*; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D003319:Corneal Stroma / Q000601:surgery* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003886:Descemet Membrane / Q000601:surgery / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D015948:Keratoplasty, Penetrating; D053685:Laser Therapy; D011817:Rabbits; D014945:Wound Healing