Abstract
Scleral indentation was induced in cadaver eyes by shrinkage of scleral collagen fibers using a pulsed solid state Ho:YAG (2.1 micrometers ) laser with fiber optic delivery. Applying Ho:YAG laser radiation permits control of the amount of laser induced buckling effect by selecting laser treatment parameters such as beam spot, radiant exposure, and number of pulses. With treatment using 11.3 +/- 1.2 J/cm
laser radiant exposure and 5 pulses, laser induced scleral shrinkage affected only the external two-thirds of scleral tissue. No thermal damage or disruption was observed in subjacent retinal pigment epithelium, chorioid, or retina. Coupling of two appropriately selected lasers may allow laser induced scleral buckling and transscleral retinal photocoagulation using the same laser probe for retinal reattachment surgery.
