Fig. 3
Human corneas after flap creation at 33h p.m. with ultraviolet and infrared femtosecond lasers. (A–C) AS-OCT images of corneal cross-sections. (D, E) SEM images of lamellar beds after successful flap lift (oblique views). (A) Unsuccessful attempt by UV laser without prior abrasion of the corneal epithelium. No cutting line discernible. (B) Successful attempt by the UV laser in the same specimen after abrasion of the corneal epithelium. White cutting line along the interface discernible in the anterior stroma. (C) Successful attempt by an infrared femtosecond laser in the contralateral eye without abrasion of the corneal epithelium. The white cutting line appears thin but discernible (arrowheads). (D) Stromal bed of a flap created by the UV laser after abrasion of the corneal epithelium. The interface appears smooth and regular. (E) Stromal bed of a flap created by an infrared laser without prior abrasion of the corneal epithelium. The interface appears smooth and regular.
