Pressure wave focusing effects following laser medical procedures in human eyes

• Published in: Applied physics. A, Materials science & processing Materials science & processing, 2020-06, Vol.126 (6), Article 414
• Main Authors: Horvat, D., Požar, T., Starman, B., Halilovič, M., Petkovšek, R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied physics; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Condensed Matter Physics; Cornea; Current State-Of-The-Art in Laser Ablation; Elastic waves; Eye (anatomy); Human performance; Laser ablation; Lasers; Machines; Manufacturing; Materials science; Nanotechnology; Optical and Electronic Materials; Physics; Physics and Astronomy; Pressure effects; Processes; S.I. : Current State-Of-The-Art in Laser Ablation; Spatial dependencies; Surfaces and Interfaces; Thin Films; Wave propagation
• ISSN: 0947-8396; 1432-0630
• DOI: 10.1007/s00339-020-03539-w

Comparative analysis of pressure wave propagation, following laser-induced ablation of the human cornea, was performed. Evolution of the pressure field as well as temporal and spatial dependencies of the transient pressure amplitudes created at various input laser parameters, corresponding to different typical procedures of laser eye surgery, is presented comprehensively. The computations were performed with the next generation of the acoustic eye model, previously validated against existing measurements. The analysis allows the assessment of potentially problematic regions within the eye where the resultant positive and/or negative pressure may exceed values which are considered safe for the patient.