Note: This study found no significant biological effects under its experimental conditions. We include all studies for scientific completeness.
Retinal Damage Thresholds for Multiple Pulse Lasers
Robert W. Ebbers, Irving L. Dunsky · 1973
The study found no significant cumulative retinal damage effect from multiple laser pulses compared to a single pulse in rhesus monkeys.
Plain English Summary
Researchers used a Q-switched neodymium laser at 1.06 µm to determine retinal damage thresholds in 100 rhesus monkey eyes. Each eye was exposed to five pulse configurations: single pulse, 10 pps for 0.5 sec, 10 pps for 1 sec, 20 pps for 0.5 sec, and 20 pps for 1 sec. Probit analysis showed no significant difference between the single-pulse ED-50 and the peak-pulse ED-50s in any pulse train. For average pulse energy, the 20 pps 0.5 sec and 20 pps 1 sec ED-50s were significantly lower than the single-pulse ED-50.
Why This Matters
The laser had a maximum output of 60 mJ, a 10 nsec pulse width, .1 mrad divergence, and a 44 mm beam diameter, producing a 3 mm beam at the cornea. Monkeys were anesthetized with Nembutal, given retrobulbar Xylocaine, and fitted with a contact lens to prevent corneal desiccation. Lesions were defined as ophthalmoscopically visible within one hour of exposure.
Show BibTeX
@article{retinal_damage_thresholds_for_multiple_pulse_lasers_g3946,
author = {Robert W. Ebbers and Irving L. Dunsky},
title = {Retinal Damage Thresholds for Multiple Pulse Lasers},
year = {1973},
}