Ultraviolet corneal photoablation.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this article is to discuss missing information on the basic physical and biological processes of ultraviolet corneal photoablation and to evaluate its potential clinical implications.


METHODS
A physical description of ultraviolet laser corneal ablation that includes photothermal, photochemical, and radiative processes is proposed.


RESULTS
Unresolved issues include the nature of the primary ablation process, the tissue and biological effects of the photothermal and photochemical components of the interaction, and the static and dynamic absorption process.


CONCLUSIONS
A better understanding of the basic physics and biology of ultraviolet corneal photoablation may help us better understand, predict, and perhaps minimize the effect of tissue hydration, plume formation, and other factors that affect the predictability of ablation and the induced tissue damage.
D003315:Cornea / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays