Human excimer laser keratectomy. Short-term histopathology.

The first human trial utilizing the argon fluoride excimer laser at 193 nm to produce a superficial keratectomy in the initial three of 10 human eyes has been described with the clinical appearance and short-term (less than 14 days) histopathologic evaluation of these three eyes. The process of laser superficial keratectomy has proved one of the promising areas of surgical intervention for reconstructive or refractive keratoplasty in the future. Intensive investigations of corneal wound healing following laser ablation as well as the nature and long-term stability of the corneal excisions or induced refractive corrections are needed. It is essential that the optimal laser parameters be established for the various refractive corrections and other corneal surgical techniques and that pathophysiologic and histopathologic changes that have been induced by the excimer laser-corneal tissue interaction in animals and humans be critically and extensively analysed.