title: Neodymium:YAG laser damage of intraocular lenses.
abstract: Intraocular lenses (IOLs) suitable for implantation were analyzed for the presence of refractile particles. These were found in lathe-cut and injection-molded lenses from various manufacturers. A YAG laser was focused 2 mm beyond the IOLs in a special test chamber and fired through them. The IOLs were then analyzed for damage. A photographically documented study of six IOLs using Q-switched and mode-locked lasers showed optical breakdown occurring within the IOLs; this was not clearly related to refractile particles. Optical breakdown did not occur in two IOLs with a similar number of refractile particles. Damage was seen with the mode-locked but not with the Q-switched laser. The optical breakdown occurred more frequently at high power (5.0 mJ) than at low power (1.2 mJ).
authors.affiliation: General Ophthalmology Service, Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: S G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: F M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Snowden
mesh_terms: D007834:Lasers / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular; D009354:Neodymium
chemical_list: D009354:Neodymium