Respirable particles in the excimer laser plume.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether respirable-size particles are present in the excimer laser plume following ablation of the corneal stroma.


METHODS
Outpatient laser vision correction facility.


METHODS
In this experimental study, an excimer laser was used to ablate 2 eye-bank corneas. Material from the plume was collected with filter paper that was coupled to a smoke evacuator. The filter paper was examined and photographed with an electron microscope. The particle size was measured with a computer program using digitized images of the photographs. As a control, room air was sampled using a smoke evacuator connected to a holder containing filter paper prior to the tissue ablation.


RESULTS
Ninety-eight particles were measured. The mean diameter was 0.22 microm +/- 0.056 (SD). No particles were seen on the control filter paper.


CONCLUSIONS
The plume created during excimer laser ablation of the cornea contained respirable-size particles. It is not known whether inhalation of these particles poses a significant health hazard. However, we recommend that a mask be worn by the surgeon and technical personnel assisting in excimer laser surgery. The plume should also be evacuated.
Taravella
M J
MJ
University of Colorado Health Science Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Denver, USA.
Viega
J
J
Luiszer
F
F
Drexler
J
J
Blackburn
P
P
Hovland
P
P
Repine
J E
JE
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000032:analysis*; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D003319:Corneal Stroma / Q000601:surgery*; D004787:Environmental Pollution / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D010316:Particle Size; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy; D012119:Respiration; D012906:Smoke; D014835:Volatilization
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D012906:Smoke