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.

Creation of an innovative laser incident reporting form for improved trend analysis using the Delphi technique.

With expanding numbers of laser applications, there is greater potential for laser radiation exposures. Proper surveillance and evaluation of laser incidents can lead to better injury prevention and more efficient medical treatment. Current laser incident databases do not provide sufficient information for surveillance and analysis of laser trends.

The ex vivo pig eye as a replacement model for laser safety testing.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the viability of ex vivo pig eyes as a replacement model for in vivo testing in the establishment of laser eye safety standards. Previous studies of pulsed energy absorption at 3.8 microm were performed using rhesus monkey cornea at pulse durations two orders of magnitude shorter than the 8-micros pulses used in the current study.