Question

Laser vision correction often uses an excimer laser that produces 193-nm electromagnetic radiation. This wavelength is extremely strongly absorbed by the cornea and ablates it in a manner that reshapes the cornea to correct vision defects. Explain how the strong absorption helps concentrate the energy in a thin layer and thus give greater accuracy in shaping the cornea. Also explain how this strong absorption limits damage to the lens and retina of the eye.

Answer 1

Answer:

Explanation:

A limited relatively minute number of photons of a certain wavelength are directed onto the eye's lens. Before being absorbed, these photons are powerfully absorbed and condensed into a thin layer. This significantly boosts the cornea's temperature. A discrepancy in space exists when a portion of the cornea evaporates due to high temperatures. The leftover corneal tissues fill in space, and the cornea is restructured and reshaped.

Because of the laser's selectivity and powerful absorption, it is only consumed by cornea tissue, rendering the lens and retina unaffected.