Article
Epithelial cell ablation to prevent posterior capsular bag opacification with the ARC Dodick Laser Photolysis System
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Authors
Published: | September 22, 2004 |
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Outline
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Objective
To test the feasibility of in vivo removal of lens epithelial cells from the capsular bag to prevent posterior capsule opacification (PCO) using the ARC Dodick Laser Photolysis System.
Methods
Various types of cells (3T3 cells, tenon fibroblasts, lens epithelial cells) were grown to confluence on plastic (Falcon 6 mm dishes) or culture inserts (Millipore). A specially designed measurement stand was used in conjunction with a commercially available laser photolysis system (ARC Dodick Laser Photolysis, Eckental, Germany).
Results
On a plastic substrate, the shock wave generated by a single laser pulse (7 mJ) resulted in removal of cells within an area of approximately 6,5 mm2, when the distance between cells and laser tip was 1 mm. Increasing this distance to 4 mm led to a decrease of the removal area of about 20%. In contrast an energy of 10 mJ resulted in an area of ablation of approximately 11 mm2 at 1 mm. Increasing the distance to 4 mm led to a decrease of the removal area of about 60%. At both energy levels the ablation zone showed sharp margins and complete removal of cells on the plastic surface. Similar results were obtained using cell culture inserts with flexible membranes, which at least partly resemble the biomechanical properties of the capsular bag.
Conclusions
Removal of cells from various surfaces is possible by use of a shock wave generated by ARC laser photolysis system. Our study indicates the feasibility of in vivo removal of lens epithelial cells from the capsular bag to prevent PCO.