Pathology and physics of YAG-laser intraocular lens damage.

Polymethylmethacrylate and silicone intraocular lenses were subjected to controlled Nd:YAG laser irradiation. Following damage, each lens was examined by scanning electron microscopy. Highly specific morphologic patterns, believed to be pathognomonic for each material, were observed. The physics of damage mechanisms and clinical correlation of damage morphology are discussed.