Infrared laser welding of the rabbit cornea in vivo

John M. Williams M.D.; Neal L. Burstein; Michael J. Nowicki; Christopher J. Zietkiewicz; William Q. Jeffers

doi:10.1117/12.209835

22 May 1995 Infrared laser welding of the rabbit cornea in vivo

John M. Williams M.D., Neal L. Burstein, Michael J. Nowicki, Christopher J. Zietkiewicz, William Q. Jeffers

Proceedings Volume 2393, Ophthalmic Technologies V; (1995) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.209835
Event: Photonics West '95, 1995, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

The hydrogen fluoride laser has been used to successfully weld corneal tissue in vivo. Previous experiments have demonstrate the success of producing watertight welds in both porcine and human cadaver corneas. Wound bursting strengths of up to three times normal intraocular pressure have been reported. In this study, an in vivo model was utilized, specifically the rabbit cornea. Twelve New Zealand white rabbits, received a 7 mm, full thickness, linear corneal incision in one eye, and stay sutures were placed. Six of the wounds were welded with a semiconductor infrared laser, and six eyes served as controls. At two and four weeks, both histologic and tensiometric studies were performed. There was a trend toward increasing wound strength when the two and four week specimens were compared. Corneal welding may prove to be an adjunct to current suturing techniques in humans. Procedures requiring the closure of corneal incisions such as cataract extraction or penetrating keratoplasty may benefit from this technique.

Citation Download Citation

John M. Williams M.D., Neal L. Burstein, Michael J. Nowicki, Christopher J. Zietkiewicz, and William Q. Jeffers "Infrared laser welding of the rabbit cornea in vivo", Proc. SPIE 2393, Ophthalmic Technologies V, (22 May 1995); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.209835

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available