A modified model for laser-cornea interaction following the ablation effect in the laser eye-surgery

Abstract

Background Laser corneal reshaping is a successful treatment of many refraction disorders. However, some physical demonstrations for the laser interaction with cornea are not fully explained. In the current paper, we present a modified model to precisely investigate the ablation threshold, the ablation rate and the physical/chemical mechanisms in that action. Results The model discusses the possible photochemical reaction between the incident photons and various components of the cornea. Such photochemical reaction may end by photo-ablation or just molecular electronic excitation. The ablation threshold is also produced by other chemical reaction. Finally another chemical reaction creates out-site fragments. Moreover, the effect of applying different laser wavelengths, namely the common excimer-laser (193-nm), and the solid-state lasers (213-nm & 266-nm) has been investigated. Conclusion Despite the success and ubiquity of the Argon Fluoride “ArF” laser, our results reveal that a carefully designed 213-nm laser gives the same outcomes with the potential of possible lower operational drawbacks related with heat generation and diffusion.