HISTOLOGIC EFFECT OF DIODE-LASER SCLEROSTOMY IN HUMAN CADAVER EYES

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To study tissue effects and thresholds of e fficacy in producing a full-thickness scleral fistula in human eyes ob tained from cadavers. The effect of laser sclerostomies created with i ndocyanine green (ICG) was also evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ab e xterno laser sclerostomies were produced in 12 fresh human eyes obtain ed from cadavers using a 200-mu m diameter fiber optic connected to a diode laser system. Power settings were 500, 750, 1000, 1250, 1500, an d 2000 mW with a constant duration of 100 and 200 ms. The same diode l aser 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. Tis sue damage was greater at higher power and longer duration. Scleral in jection of ICG prior to laser sclerostomy did not enhance laser penetr ation. CONCLUSION: The diode laser can create a sclerostomy in human s clera with an optimum level of 1500 mW and 100 ms. ICG did not signifi cantly enhance the ease of penetration or reduce the associated therma l damage to the sclera.