May 2005
Volume 46, Issue 13
Free
ARVO Annual Meeting Abstract  |   May 2005
Scattered Laser Radiation and Broadband Actinic Ultraviolet Plasma Emissions During Alcon LADARVision Excimer Refractive Surgery
Author Affiliations & Notes
  • K.S. Bower
    Ophthalmology Service, Walter Reed Army Med Center, Washington, DC
  • J.M. Burka
    Ophthalmology Service, Walter Reed Army Med Center, Washington, DC
  • R.J. Hope
    Ophthalmology Service, Walter Reed Army Med Center, Washington, DC
  • J.K. Franks
    U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventative Medicine, Laser/Optical Radiation Program, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD
  • T.L. Lyon
    U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventative Medicine, Laser/Optical Radiation Program, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD
  • B.A. Nelson
    Ophthalmology Service, Walter Reed Army Med Center, Washington, DC
  • D.H. Sliney
    U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventative Medicine, Laser/Optical Radiation Program, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD
  • Footnotes
    Commercial Relationships  K.S. Bower, None; J.M. Burka, None; R.J. Hope, None; J.K. Franks, None; T.L. Lyon, None; B.A. Nelson, None; D.H. Sliney, None.
  • Footnotes
    Support  None.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science May 2005, Vol.46, 4358. doi:
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      K.S. Bower, J.M. Burka, R.J. Hope, J.K. Franks, T.L. Lyon, B.A. Nelson, D.H. Sliney; Scattered Laser Radiation and Broadband Actinic Ultraviolet Plasma Emissions During Alcon LADARVision Excimer Refractive Surgery . Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2005;46(13):4358.

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      © ARVO (1962-2015); The Authors (2016-present)

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Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: To evaluate the potential occupational health hazards associated with scattered actinic ultraviolet laser radiation and broadband actinic ultraviolet plasma emissions during refractive surgery. Methods: A prospective experimental study. Intraoperative radiometric measurements were made with the Ophir Power/Energy Meter (LaserStar Model with silicon detector, Model PD–10) and the International Light Radiometer/Photometer (Model IL 1400 with actinic ultraviolet detector, Model SEL240) with and without ultraviolet blocking filters (BLK 270 and Schott types WG–280 and WG–230). Measurements made during laser calibration as well as LASIK and PRK procedures were evaluated using a worst–case scenario and then compared to the ACGIH TLVs to perform a risk/hazard analysis. Results: Most optical emissions were between 193nm and 280nm and approximately 25% of the measurement result was due to broadband emissions greater than 270 nm for calibration targets. About 25% of optical emissions during LASIK were beyond 230 nm. No emissions beyond 230 nm were observed during PRK. Ultraviolet scattered radiation level was similar between PRK and LASIK. Maximum measured values of 80 nJ/pulse at 14 cm for PRK and 45 nJ/pulse at 38 cm for LASIK were used as the absolute worst–case analysis for exposure. Assuming the worst–case exposure conditions equal to the maximum measured value during these studies at a patient workload of 20 patients per day, the cumulative occupational exposure at close range of actinic ultraviolet radiation did not exceed the 8–hour occupational exposure limit of 3 mJ/cm2 for any 24–hour period. Conclusions: Scattered ultraviolet laser radiation did not exceed occupational exposure limits at distances greater than 30cm from either laser calibration targets or patient treatments over a workday. Laser eye protection is not necessary to protect operating room personnel since exposure levels are very low even under a worst–case scenario.

Keywords: refractive surgery • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: risk factor assessment • radiation damage: light/UV 
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