In vivo experiments with the excimer laser--technical parameters and healing processes.

In vivo experiments on rabbit corneae with the excimer laser (lambda = 193 nm) are presented. A new delivery system using total-reflecting prisms is described. For corneal surgery a repetition rate of about 50 Hz seems to be optimal. Healing processes of the cornea are demonstrated. It is supposed that the corneal incisions by excimer laser have not to be as deep as those induced by knives to change corneal curvature.