Sclerectomy with nanojoule energy level per pulse by femtosecond fiber laser in vitro.

The use of nanojoule femtosecond pulses (NFP) for highly precise proceeding in anti-glaucoma surgery was evaluated. According to the observation of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), four types of incision patterns, including subsurface, slit-like, spot and cuboid ablations, were accomplished on in vitro sclera by NFP with little collateral damage. In comparison to microjoule femtosecond pulses (MFP), NFP can make extremely precise incisions with smoother inner surface with less peak power density. The present study first illustrates the potential use of NFP in minimally invasive laser sclerectomy for glaucoma therapy.