title: Laser photodisruptors. Damage mechanisms, instrument design and safety.
abstract: Short-pulse neodymium: YAG clinical laser systems permit noninvasive incision of transparent intraocular structures. Selection and safe use of these photodisruptors, however, require a limited understanding of certain basic physical principles. These principles are reviewed and applied in a series of optical experiments designed to study the performance and safety of clinical, short-pulse laser systems. The results of these experiments are presented, in addition to an analysis of current and proposed photodisruptors.
mesh_terms: D005123:Eye / Q000528:radiation effects; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D007834:Lasers / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000592:standards*