Experimental Study on Preparation of Deep Sclerectomy Using Erbium: YAG Laser

Abstract

This study was performed to assess the. potential benefits of using pulsed erbium: YAG laser in removing the deep lamella • of the sclera during the procedure of deep sclerectomy by histopathological studies and statistical analysis This study was carried out on 30 enucleated porcine eyes which were divided into three groups. A superficial lamellar scleral flap with an area of 5 x 5 mm was surgically prepared in each of the three groups. Using an erbium: YAG laser (2.94 microns), the deep scleral lamella with an area of 1.8x2 mm was removed. The first group was subjected to laser energy of 50 mJ, the second group was subjected to an energy of 70 ml, while the third to an energy of 90 ml During the procedure, the intraocular pressure was kept constant by continuous infusion. The eyes were prepared for histological study. • The histological studies were done by the scanning electron microscopy. The data were collected and statistically analyzed by student t test, analysis of variance (F test), Chi square test and Fisher's test. that: From the result of the current study, it could be concluded • The porcine eyes can be considered adequate surgical models for this study, because there are many points of similarity between angular drainage channels in the lower mammals and the canal of Schlemm in primate eyes, e.g. in topography, in . structural and ultrastructural morphology. In addition, the porcine eyes have a thicker trabeculo-descemetic membrane which is seen better histologically.