Ophthalmoscopic and pathologic description of ocular damage induced by infrared laser radiation

This study compares ocular damage effects induced by infrared (IR) lasers in the “eye-safe” wavelength range to those observed following visible wavlength laser exposures. In addition to routine fundus camera and slit-lamp observations, exposed subjects were examined via confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy. Histopathologic evaluation was conducted 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–tissue interaction will be discussed, including concurrent lesion formation in several tissues and secondary responses such as delayed inflammatory reactions. This latter effect may involve tissue not directly irradiated during the laser insult. Finally, implications for laser safety standards will be suggested.