Future of the laser in ophthalmology.

A novel Nd:YAG laser apparatus, the Microruptor I, is presented in this study. The pulse duration of this system may be varied in steps from 15 ns, when driven in a Q-switched mode, up to 10 ms when driven in free running mode. When driven in Q-switched mode optical breakdown phenomena cause non-linear 'mechanical' destructive effects. The broad clinical spectrum of application in this mode is related to the ability to affect non-pigmented and transparent structures. In contrast to this, thermal tissue coagulations are to be found using the laser in the free running mode. Examples for clinical applications of the laser in both operation modes are shown.