Laser-generated ultrasound in the eye

There is a clinical need for an instrument capable of measuring properties of the eye beyond those presently available. In this paper, a new laser ultrasound technique is discussed for assessing the characteristics of eyes - using a novel form of probe. Laser-ultrasound transients were generated within bovine yes using a frequency doubled Nd: YAG Q-switched laser pulse. A fibre optic delivery system was used with a PVDF probe attached concentrically to its end. By investigating, under saline, fresh postmortem bovine eyes, it is shown that non-invasive measurement is possible for overall dimensions of the eye, as well as the size of the anterior chamber. Ultrasound features can be identified with different interfaces in the layered structure of the eye, with amplitudes dependant on the relative absorption coefficients across internal interfaces.