A review of optical and thermal eye tissue parameters for improved computational models in retinal laser therapy

Abstract

Laser surgery is recognized as a highly effective method for managing retinal diseases. However, the thermal effects of the laser on different eye tissues are not entirely understood yet. In this context, computational modeling can be a useful tool to predict therapy outcomes. Accurate optical and thermal parameters of ocular tissues are crucial to correctly modeling the laser-tissue interactions. The present work aims to provide an easily accessible list of optical and thermal parameters for developing computational models involving ocular tissues. An extensive literature review was conducted to gather data on these parameters. The sources of data and the methodology used to calculate these parameters are analyzed in detail to ensure the reliability of the proposed values. In particular, this review focuses on density, specific heat, thermal conductivity, refractive index, and absorption coefficient, with optical properties referring to the 577 nm wavelength. The review underscores a common tendency to rely on pre-existing values when developing new computational models, often lacking clarity regarding selection criteria and data sources. This emphasizes the necessity for new experimental studies to improve the accuracy of ocular tissue properties.

Keywords: computational modeling; laser; ocular tissues; ophthalmology; optical properties; thermal properties.