Laser interactions with the cornea.

Principles of laser-tissue interactions in the eye are reviewed. Corneal structure and function are summarized, with particular regard for features related to laser treatment. A summary of argon and carbon dioxide laser techniques in the cornea is presented, followed by a review of studies on corneal response to ultraviolet radiation. A detailed description is then given of the characteristics of excimer laser tissue ablation. Potential applications of this process in corneal and keratorefractive surgery are reviewed.