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.

a) Strong absorption allows for precise cornea shaping and limits damage to the lens and retina.

b) Strong absorption results in inaccurate cornea shaping and damages the lens and retina.

c) Absorption has no effect on laser vision correction accuracy.

d) The strong absorption limits the effectiveness of laser vision correction.

Answer 1

The strong absorption of the 193-nm wavelength electromagnetic radiation in the cornea helps concentrate the energy in a thin layer, resulting in greater accuracy in shaping the cornea during laser vision correction. It also limits damage to the lens and retina of the eye.

Step-by-step explanation:

The strong absorption of the 193-nm wavelength electromagnetic radiation in the cornea helps concentrate the energy in a thin layer, leading to greater accuracy in shaping the cornea during laser vision correction. When the radiation is strongly absorbed by the cornea, it is absorbed within a very thin layer, allowing the energy to be focused on that specific area. This concentrated energy enables precise removal of tissue and reshaping of the cornea, resulting in accurate vision correction.

The strong absorption of the wavelength also limits damage to the lens and retina of the eye. Since the cornea absorbs the majority of the energy from the laser, it prevents excessive energy from reaching the lens and retina. This helps protect these sensitive structures from damage that could occur if the energy were not strongly absorbed by the cornea.