Abstract

Diode pumped Nd:glass all-solid-state femtosecond laser is promising for next generation refractive surgery, with the advantages of excellent surgical precision, minimal tissue damage and improved system stability and compactness. The microscopic evaluation of the outcome of femtosecond laser surgery is crucial before clinical applications. By two-photon laser scanning microscopy and non-invasive second harmonic imaging, the three dimensional ultrastructure of the porcine cornea is visualized without requiring slicing or staining. The minimal-invasive corneal flap cutting and non-invasive intrastromal surgery are investigated. Femtosecond laser intrastromal surgery demonstrated high ablation precision and mimimal side effects. However, there are elongated filaments/streaks observed in the cornea stroma, most likely due to the focusing optics and self-focusing.

© 2003 SPIE