Mri Safety Of Iron Oxide–Containing Pigments In Femtosecond Laser Keratopigmentation: Experimental Evaluation At Clinical 3.0 Tesla
Published 2026 - 44th Congress of the ESCRS
Reference: POSUS011 | Type: Free paper | DOI: 10.82333/qbcm-dm18
Authors: Dr Alexander Movshovich* 1 , Dr Donald J. D’Amico 1 , Dr Rigoberto Vazquez 2 , Dr Douglas Ballon 3 , Dr Aleksey Gokadze 4 , Dr Lana Evseeva 4 , Dr Jonathan P. Dyke 5
1Department of Ophthalmology,Weill Cornell Medicine,New York,United States, 2Department of Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering,Cornell University,Ithaca,United States, 3Department of Radiology,Weill Cornell Medicine,New York,United States;Department of Genetic Medicine,Weill Cornell Medicine,New York,United States, 4Kings Eye Medical Care PC,New York,United States, 5Department of Radiology,Weill Cornell Medicine,New York,United States
Purpose
To evaluate potential thermal effects, mechanical displacement, and susceptibility artifacts of iron oxide–containing pigments used in femtosecond laser–assisted keratopigmentation during clinically relevant 3.0-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Setting
Experimental laboratory study conducted in a controlled ophthalmic research environment using a clinical 3.0-Tesla MRI system, with ex vivo porcine corneal models simulating femtosecond laser–assisted keratopigmentation under standardized conditions.
Methods
Twelve pigment formulations were screened under 3.0-T MRI to identify the most magnetically reactive sample. A standardized pigment load (0.029 g per application withdrawal) was quantified using precision microbalance techniques to model a high-intensity exposure condition. Temperature changes were recorded with fiber-optic thermometry in porcine corneas with and without pigment during a continuous 20-minute MRI protocol. Pigment motility was assessed using a suspended pigment-impregnated substrate positioned within the MRI bore. Susceptibility artifact extent was evaluated using gradient- and spin-echo sequences.
Results
Maximum temperature variation during continuous MRI exposure was <0.2°C in both pigment-containing and control corneas, with no evidence of progressive heating. No displacement, deflection, or torque was detected during motility testing. MRI demonstrated localized susceptibility artifact confined to the corneal region containing pigment, without distortion of adjacent or posterior ocular structures.
Conclusions
Under clinically relevant experimental conditions using standardized pigment loading and a 3.0-T clinical MRI system, iron oxide–containing keratopigmentation pigments did not demonstrate heating or mechanical instability. Although localized corneal susceptibility artifact was observed, visualization of deeper ocular structures remained preserved. These findings provide objective safety data relevant to patients with prior keratopigmentation.