Free Radical Production by Nd: YAG Laser Photodisruption

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Plasma and cavitation bubble formation during optical breakdown in aqueous media may produce hydroxyl (*OH) radicals. The authors' objectives were to detect *OH produced by a neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser photodisruptor and to determine *OH concentration in relation to laser energy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: *OH was assayed by measuring absorbance of triiodide (I3-) in a potassium iodide (KI) solution exposed to optical breakdown by an Nd:YAG laser. The concentration-dependent reduction of radical production in relation to cystamine concentration was evaluated. RESULTS: I3- concentration increased linearly with total irradiation energy and decreased exponentially with increasing cystamine concentration. *OH concentration was calculated using extinction coefficients of I3- and chemical equations relating I3- formation to *OH. CONCLUSIONS: The authors calculated that approximately 4 x 10(-12) moles of *OH are produced in a typical posterior capsulotomy of 100 mJ of total energy. This *OH concentration could produce strand breaks in approximately 0.4% of vitreous hyaluronic acid molecules, but is unlikely to produce clinical effects.