Effects of an erbium:YAG laser on ocular structures

Abstract
We evaluated the effects of the erbium:YAG laser (2.9 μm wavelength) on ocular structures. Energy was successfully transmitted through a fiberoptic bundle for intraocular and extraocular applications. The wavelength was strongly absorbed by ocular tissues, producing ablations with minimal thermal damage. Our results indicated that the erbium: YAG laser may have potential uses as a photoablative tool to reshape the corneal surface and as a surgical knife.