OPHTHALMOSCOPIC AND PATHOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION OF OCULAR DAMAGE-INDUCEDBY INFRARED-LASER RADIATION

This study compares ocular damage effects induced by infrared (IR) las ers in the ''eye-safe'' wavelength range to those observed following v isible wavlength laser exposures. In addition to routine fundus camera and slit-lamp observations, exposed subjects were examined via confoc al scanning laser ophthalmoscopy. Histopathologic evaluation was condu cted on eyes with both visible and IR laser induced focal lesions. IR laser exposure parameters which resulted in corneal, lenticular and/or retinal damage will be detailed. Unique aspects of the IR laser-tissu e interaction will be discussed, including concurrent lesion formation in several tissues and secondary responses such as delayed inflammato ry reactions. This latter effect may involve tissue not directly irrad iated during the laser insult. Finally, implications for laser safety standards will be suggested. (C) 1998 Laser Institute of America.