While laser surgery for ophthalmic applications has become more common, many common procedures are still done with scalpels or ultrasound. The problem - they can be imprecise, painful and time consuming.

For example cataracts are typically removed by using ultrasound to break up the tissue and a specialized "vacuum" to remove the pieces. And vitreal strands - a condition commonly associated with diabetes - are removed today with a scalpel. Both procedures would be quicker, cleaner and more exact if done with a laser.

Under a grant from the National Institute of Health, IFS is currently working with Johns Hopkins to develop a version of its HP fiber for use in the world of ophthalmic surgery. We're taking our production-grade HP fiber and modifying it to meet new requirements - that it be robust enough to survive multiple short bursts of high-power laser, and that it work with the specialized handpieces and probes needed for eye surgery.

In the near future, IFS high-power fibers may be a staple component in laser surgery equipment.