[Sclerostomy with an erbium YAG laser--the relationship with pulse energy].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the optimal pulse energy to do sclerostomy with an erbium YAG laser.


METHODS
The experiments were performed in enucleated porcine eyes. We changed pulse energy and examined the effects on surrounding tissue.


RESULTS
With the increase of pulse energy, the effects of the laser extended to the area surrounding the laser probe. At the threshold energy for doing full-thickness sclerostomy, the total energy was significantly higher than with higher pulse energy. And with pulse energy higher than 2 mJ, the total energy did not show any significant change. Histopathologically, the damaged area around sclerostomy became larger with the increase of pulse energy.


CONCLUSIONS
The optimal energy to do full-thickness sclerostomy with this system seemed to be 2 mJ.
Mizota
A
A
Department of Ophthalmology, Chiba University School of Medicine, Japan.
Takasoh
M
M
Tsuyama
Y
Y
Kobayashi
K
K
Momiuchi
M
M
D000818:Animals; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D012590:Sclera / Q000473:pathology; D012599:Sclerostomy / Q000379:methods*; D013552:Swine