Cultured human cornea healing process after free-electron-laser ablation

The purpose of this study is to investigate the healing process in cultured human cornea after infrared Free Electron Laser ablation. Fresh human cadaver cornea was ablated using the Free Electron Laser at the amide II band peak (6.45 micrometers ). The cornea was then cultured in an incubator for 18 days. Haze development within the ablated area was monitored during culture. Histologic sections of the cornea showed complete re-epithelialization of the lased area, and ablation of the underlying Bowman's layer and stroma. The endothelium appeared unaffected. Cultured human corneas may provide useful information regarding the healing process following laser ablation.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.