ABSTRACT
The very properties that make laser radiation a valuable tool in many fields-namely its high intensity and collimation-are also the critical reasons for potential eye and skin hazards (Sliney and Freasier 1973; Henderson and Schulmeister 2001). In general, optical radiation-be it ultraviolet, visible light, or infrared-is absorbed in the superficial layers of the body due to its high water content (mostly relevant for infrared) and the various
CONTENTS
15.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 265 15.2 Beam Propagation in the Eye ........................................................................................... 266 15.3 Minimum Spot Size ........................................................................................................... 267 15.4 Optical Models ................................................................................................................... 268
15.4.1 Single Lens Approximation .................................................................................. 268 15.4.2 Ray Tracing ............................................................................................................. 269 15.4.3 Modulation Transfer Function ............................................................................. 270 15.4.4 Practical Aspects .................................................................................................... 270
15.5 Ocular Transmission ......................................................................................................... 271 15.6 Optical Properties of Ocular Tissues .............................................................................. 272
15.6.1 Retina ....................................................................................................................... 272 15.6.1.1 Distribution of Absorbers and Layer Geometry ................................ 274 15.6.1.2 Regional Variations ................................................................................. 275 15.6.1.3 Fundus Reflectance ................................................................................. 275
15.6.2 Cornea ..................................................................................................................... 276 15.7 Heat Transfer ......................................................................................................................277
