Nonequilibrium atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge in ophthalmology

Abstract

In this article we report initial experiments applying nonequilibrium atmospheric pressure, pulsed, floating electrode dielectric barrier discharge in ophthalmology. We show that plasma can be applied to the eye both ex vivo in explanted pig eyes and in vivo in live rabbits and pigs. The results show effective sterilization below the threshold of significant damage to the cornea. This research is in the initial stages but is instrumental in the understanding of plasma’s ability to become a novel therapeutic tool in ophthalmology.