Abstract

Damage thresholds of polymethyl methacrylate intraocular lenses (IOL) and plastic membranes have been determined during a study of the efficacy and safety of pulsed lasers tor pupillary membrane discission. Thresholds were evaluated in vitro at the local point of several laser systems. The damage threshold was evaluated by determining the highest pulse energy that did not cause damage and the lowest pulse energy that did cause damage for each lens. The energy corresponding to the true threshold lies between these values. Focal spot diameter and pulse duration mere measured for each laser system and used to calculate the energy density at the threshold for damage.

© 1983 Optical Society of America