In-vivo laser-induced photoreceptor pathology and vascular pathophysiology in a small eye animal model Available to Purchase

Confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (CSLO) was used to evaluate acute laser retinal injury in a small eye animal model. The snake eye is optically unique, combining a high numerical aperture with a clear ocular media and a cornea covered with a hard dry spectacle. These qualities allow resolution of photoreceptors, retinal receptor orientation, and retinal blood cell behavior. Acute argon laser exposure observed in vivo may eliminate photoreceptors, produce highly reflective and enlarged photoreceptors, as well as changes in receptor density and orientation. Enhanced photoreceptor reflectivity was observed with a near IR imaging source. Similar exposure at the retinal vasculature showed blood cell flow alteration, producing “sticky” blood cells with neutrophil like response. Q-switched laser exposure produced larger lesion areas at lower energy levels with lower photoreceptor reflectivity. These observations have significant implications for visual function recovery mechanisms in higher order animal species.