The use of mid-infrared lasers in ophthalmology: prospects and advantages, a look at future development

Finding a suitable wavelength of laser radiation in the infrared spectrum can solve a number of problems in microsurgery and ophthalmic surgery in particular. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of laser radiation with a wavelength of 3000 nm on the membranes of the cadaver eye and compare it with similar parameters with a 532 nm laser. Laser coagulates were studied by scanning electron microscopy after special preparation. With laser radiation of 3 microns, the depth, width of the crater and the area of concomitant damage to the sclera are greater compared to laser radiation of 532 nm with similar operating parameters, however, when exposed to the choroid, the data are approximately the same. The depth of the laser coagulate and the zone of thermal collateral damage are directly proportional to the energy flux density and radiation frequency. Also, the dimensions of the estimated parameters depend on the water content in the tissue.