Design and Adaptation of an Optical System for Slit Lamp Delivery of a CO2 Laser Beam.
Abstract
A Q-switched CO2 laser was integrated to a standard ophthalmic slit lamp with the aid of an articulated arm. The laser-optical system, including the articulated arm, was adapted to a Nikon slit lamp to provide flexible control of high power 10.6 micrometer radiation for use in surgical cutting of the cornea. The articulated arm, consisting of seven optical elbows and seven copper mirrors, transmitted the CO2 radiation from the laser to a 5X beam expander and a F/1 zinc selenide focusing lens attached to the slit lamp. Experimental results indicate that the integrated system can deliver 22 m spots of focused radiation on target with a corresponding Rayleigh range of approximately 36 micrometers. To demonstrate precise beam control, 9-0 Ethicon suture were ruptured with as little as 2.4 mJ of energy. Clear plastic sheets were cut to give an indication of what to expect in a corneal incision. Finally, hog corneas were incised by an ophthalmologist. The experimental work was complemented by a parametric study relating focused spot diameter, Rayleigh range, and laser wavelength for a series of wavelengths extending from 0.249 to 10.6 micrometers. The results of the parametric plots may be used as an aid when selecting optimal laser parameters for given applications in ocular surgery. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA111108
Entities
People
- Douglas J. Praska
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology