Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: Near infrared all-solid-state femtosecond laser is promising for next generation refractive surgical laser. The diode pumped Nd:glass laser is a compact table-top femtosecond laser system with the output pulse energy and frequency well suited for the corneal surgery. The microscopic evaluation of the collateral effects of femtosecond laser surgical strategy is crucial before real clinical applications. Methods: With confocal and multiphoton laser scanning microscopy, three dimensional ultrastructure of the unstained porcine cornea is characterized through optical sectioning and second harmonic imaging. Results: The precision, efficiency and reliability of the minimal-invasive cornea flap preparation for LASIK (Laser Assisted in-situ Keratomileusis) and the femtosecond laser intrastromal cornea ablation for non-invasive vision corrections are quantitatively evaluated based on the microscopic investigations. Conclusions: Compared to today's nanosecond excimer laser and picosecond solid state laser, the tissue damage after femtosecond laser refractive surgery is reduced significantly and a more predictable and repeatable surgical results is possible. Reference: [1] J. Liang, W. Grimm, S. Goelz, J.F. Bille, J. Opt. Soc. Am. A11 (1994)1949 [2] T. Juhasz, F.H.Loesel, C.Horvath, R.M.Kurtz, G. Mourou, IEEE, J. Select Topics in Quantum Electron 5 (1999)902
Keywords: refractive surgery • laser • cornea: stroma and keratocytes