[Motion artifacts in the vitreous body during vitrectomy].

BACKGROUND

Movements and vibrations of intraocular structures can be observed during vitrectomy with mechanical cutting systems. We experimentally compared these intraocular motion artifacts between mechanical and erbium:YAG laser vitrectomy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The intraocular structures were reliably simulated by a 0.9-mm-wide foil (thickness 10 microns) in a water-filled cuvette. The movements caused by commercial mechanical cutter systems were compared with vibration induced by means of laser surgery probes (laser pulse energy 20 mJ). Laser triangulation was used to measure the movement amplitudes at various cutting rates of 2, 5, and 10 Hz and a constant suction force of 50 mmHg.

RESULTS

At all cutting rates the amplitude with the laser was less than that with the mechanical system. The ratio of the maximal amplitude between laser surgery probes (AL) and mechanical cutter system (AM) was AL/AM = 0.29 at 10 Hz, AL/AM = 0.33 at 5 Hz, and AL/AM = 0.45 at 2 Hz.

CONCLUSION

The reduced intraocular movements with erbium:YAG laser vitrectomy constitutes a potential advantage for the nonpulsatile vitrectomy.