The potential hidden hazards of a laser pumped tunable OPO system.

Laser pumped tunable optical parametric oscillator (OPO) systems from 1,300 to 2,200 nm have been introduced due to their retina-safe characteristics and ability to adjust to multiple wavelengths. We report on unintended consequences to a rabbit cornea resulting from OPO exposure. No gross injury was visible to the cornea post exposure; however, closer examination revealed a vitreous hemorrhage had occurred within the eye.

Comparison of 1540-nm laser-induced injuries in ex vivo and in vitro rabbit corneal models.

Despite the increasing use of infrared lasers in medical, industrial, and military settings, data on threshold radiant exposures and median effective dose (ED(50)) as they relate to laser-tissue interaction are limited. Our goals were to determine the ED(50) for single-pulse, 1540-nm laser exposures in ex vivo and in vitro rabbit corneal models and to characterize the histopathological changes associated with the laser-tissue interaction. An erbium-glass laser was used to deliver single, 1540-nm wavelength pulses to 27 ex vivo and 24 in vitro rabbit corneal models.