Ocular damage due to chlorhexidine versus eyeshield thermal injury.
BACKGROUND
Ocular damage may occur from a number of mechanisms during laser use.


OBJECTIVE
To review issues relevant to ocular protection during laser resurfacing.


METHODS
The authors were consulted to evaluate the thermal energy transferred from the outer to the inner (ie, corneal contact) surface of stainless steel eyeshields following direct exposure to the carbon dioxide (CO2) resurfacing laser beam. Measurements were obtained using thermocouples (attached to the inner surface of the eyeshields) and analyzed with a computer-based acquisition system.


RESULTS
A maximum eyeshield temperature increase of 13 degrees C above the ambient temperature was noted following one pass with a CO2 resurfacing laser (Sharplan continuous CO2 laser with Clinicon SureScan scanner, 15 W, 950 microsec pulse duration, square spot of 9 mm).


CONCLUSIONS
The eyeshields analyzed in this study minimized thermal transfer following a single direct hit with a CO2 resurfacing laser. An understanding of the potential mechanisms of ocular injury is essential in preventing its occurrence.
Christian
M M
MM
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.
Cox
D O
DO
Smith
C V
CV
Onouye
T
T
Moy
R L
RL
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002056:Burns / Q000209:etiology; D002057:Burns, Chemical / Q000209:etiology; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003315:Cornea / Q000187:drug effects; D065306:Corneal Injuries; D005135:Eye Protective Devices; D005145:Face / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007834:Lasers; D008875:Middle Aged; D013193:Stainless Steel; D013696:Temperature
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D013193:Stainless Steel; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D002710:Chlorhexidine