Histologic effect of diode laser sclerostomy in human cadaver eyes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

To study tissue effects and thresholds of efficacy in producing a full-thickness scleral fistula in human eyes obtained from cadavers. The effect of laser sclerostomies created with indocyanine green (ICG) was also evaluated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ab externo laser sclerostomies were produced in 12 fresh human eyes obtained from cadavers using a 200-micron diameter fiber optic connected to a diode laser system. Power settings were 500, 750, 1000, 1250, 1500, and 2000 mW with a constant duration of 100 and 200 ms. The same diode laser settings were repeated in the tissues injected with ICG.

RESULTS

The laser sclerostomies were associated with heat coagulation damage adjacent to the burn margins, with disruption of stromal collagen. Tissue damage was greater at higher power and longer duration. Scleral injection of ICG prior to laser sclerostomy did not enhance laser penetration.

CONCLUSION

The diode laser can create a sclerostomy in human sclera with an optimum level of 1500 mW and 100 ms. ICG did not significantly enhance the ease of penetration or reduce the association thermal damage to the sclera.