Initial experiments of ab interno ablation of sclera using femtosecond pulses

Summary form only given. We present experiments indicating that it is possible to ablate the sclera without damage to the overlaying conjunctiva. A femtosecond Nd:glass laser with 8.5-/spl mu/J pulse energy was used to ablate the top layers of sclera when the laser was delivered through the conjunctiva. In a separate experiment, the same laser was able to create a drainage channel through the whole thickness of the sclera from the outside inward. We created the channel by scanning the laser along spiral patterns at increasing depths into the sclera. Approximately 100 spiral scans were performed, for a total procedure time of 8 min. The diameter of the hole at the outer and inner surfaces was approximately 0.5 mm and 0.15 mm, respectively. Pictures of a side cut show little or no collateral tissue damage.