Abstract

A critical factor in the laser-tissue interaction in excimer laser refractive surgery is the absorption coefficient (µ_a) of corneal tissue at 193 nm. Most current algorithms assume a uniform ablation depth per laser pulse irrespective of variations between patients, environments and lasers. Knowing a patient's ablation depth etch rate immediately prior to the procedure may yield a more accurate refractive outcome.

© 1998 Optical Society of America