Laser surgery is used in several eye related treatment including retinal detachment and macular degeneration. During laser irradiation, pigmented retinal and adjacent choroidal region absorb most of the energy. Overheating of these tissues above photocoagulation (~ 60 degree C) could lead to thermal damage disrupting cellular mechanisms. We formulated a bio-heat transfer model for the human eye, incorporating several parameters of interest including the choroidal blood perfusion. Using the retinal irradiation specifications during an actual surgery, the simulation results suggested over-heating of certain retinal regions. Pulsation of laser irradiation with specific parameters is proposed as a method to reduce thermal damage in these regions.

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Posted by Dr. Arunn Narasimhan.