[Exposure to light during vitreoretinal surgery. II: Characteristics of endoilluminators].
OBJECTIVE
Light can cause phototoxic retinal damage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of retinal hazard by endoilluminators during vitreoretinal surgery.


METHODS
The spectra, radiance, and irradiance of six light sources with different associated fibre optics (20 G, 23 G, standard collimated, wide-angle diffuse) were measured and compared with thresholds published by international standardisation committees.


RESULTS
The spectra of the endoilluminators differed significantly in the short wavelength band. The maximum radiance ranged from 15 mW to 190 mW and the calculated irradiance from 36 mW/cm2 to 1,130 mW/cm2 (distance 5 mm) and from 9 mW/cm2 to 376 mW/cm2 (distance 10 mm). Compared with published thresholds for surgery, time limits ranging from 0.7 min to 264 min (distance 5 mm) and 2.7 min to 1,052 min (distance 10 mm) seem to be safe.


CONCLUSIONS
Light systems used for vitreoretinal surgery differ considerably in spectra, radiance, and irradiance; these differences have an impact on the maximum tolerable exposure times during surgery.
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Schwerpunkt Retinologie, Universitäts-Augenklinik, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Amberger
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Dithmar
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D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D008027:Light / Q000009:adverse effects*; D020714:Maximum Tolerated Dose; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D012160:Retina / Q000528:radiation effects* / Q000601:surgery*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013057:Spectrum Analysis; D014822:Vitreous Body / Q000601:surgery*