Abstract

DO.17.03

Effect of a femtosecond laser on corneal tissue

Winkler von Mohrenfels C. W.¹, Khoramnia R.¹, Hölzwimmer G.², Quintanilla-Martinez L.², Donitzky C.³, Wuellner C.³, Maier M.¹, Lohmann C. P.^1
1Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universitaet München; ²Institut füer Pathologie, GSF, München 3 WaveLight AG, Erlangen

Objective: Aim of this study was to look at the cut quality and the corneal lateral damage of a new femtosecond laser.
Methods: 35 porcine eyes and 5 human eyes, not suitable for transplantation, where used for this study. A WaveLight prototype femtosecond laser was used for all Flap cuts. Different flap depths (100µm, 200µm 300µm, 700µm and 800µm) have been cut. The surface of the cornea, the structure and ultra structure of the corneal cells and stroma were evaluated thoroughly using light microscopy (PAS and Picrosirius red staining), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning laser electron microscopy (SEM).
Results: In all eyes the flap could be lifted very easily and the flap appeared very smooth and structural and ultra structural evaluation with light and transmission electron microscopy of epithelium and endothelium showed no side effects of the laser application. The area around the flap cut was minimally affected and the keratocytes and collagen fibres showed no alteration. Scanning laser electron microscopy revealed in cases smooth surfaces and side cuts.
Conclusions: With this new femtosecond laser it is easy and precise to create corneal flaps. At the same time no structural and thermal side effects on corneal epithelium, stoma and endothelium appeared. Hence with this new femtosecond laser corneal flaps could be created easily without noteworthy side effects.

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