surface temperature change of pmma plates in refractive surgery performed with two types of modern excimer lasers

Introduction. the conditions in the operating room can have an influence on the postoperative results of the refractive surgeryperformed with excimer lasers.Aim. the aim of this study was to examine the relationship of the temperature of pmmA plates (polymethylmethacrylate),environmental conditions and the energy load caused by the laser impulses during refractive surgery procedure.Material and methods. Wavelight Allegretto and schwind Amaris excimer lasers were used for the study. polymethylmethacrylate (pmmA) plates with parameters: -10 dpt myopic ablation and 6.5 mm optical zone were used as a target for photoablation during the calibration of excimer lasers. energy load and temperature rise were measured with high accuracy infraredthermometer.Results. logarithmically rising temperature was measured for both lasers. maximal temperature measuredwas 48°C for theAllegretto laser and 43°C for the Amaris laser.Conclusions. higher energy load with smaller repetition rate causes higher thermal load. thermal load of the pmmA plateduring the ablation is dependent on the environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity, air flow, smoke plume evacuation, etc.