Relative efficacy of the argon green, argon blue-green, and krypton red lasers for 10-0 nylon subconjunctival laser suture lysis.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the optimal wavelength for subconjunctival laser suture lysis.


METHODS
130 black monofilament 10-0 nylon sutures were sewn subconjunctivally into the bare sclera of enucleated rabbit globes. The lowest energy levels facilitating laser suture lysis were determined for the argon green (514.5 NM), argon blue-green (488.0 NM, 514.5 NM), and krypton red (647.1 NM) wavelengths. In addition, absorption spectroscopy was performed on the suture material and conjunctiva using the Perkin Elmer W/VIS Lambda 2 spectrometer.


RESULTS
Krypton red produced the fewest buttonhole defects, and it was also the most efficient energy source for suture lysis (P = 0.0001) under nontenectomized conjunctiva. Absorbance spectra studies revealed peak absorbance at 628 NM for the 10-0 nylon suture material.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on animal and absorption spectroscopy studies, krypton red may be a safer and more efficient wavelength for subconjunctival laser suture lysis.
Department of Ophthalmology, Brown University School of Medicine/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence 02903, USA.
A V
AV
Mudgil
K W
KW
To
R M
RM
Balachandran
R H
RH
Janigian
W G
WG
Tsiaras
D000818:Animals; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000601:surgery*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D009757:Nylons; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures; D011817:Rabbits; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012590:Sclera / Q000601:surgery*; D013537:Sutures
D009757:Nylons