[Neodymium YAG laser effects on the cornea].

With the Nd:YAG laser it is possible to produce epithelial defects, fractures of Bowman's membrane or ulcer-like defects of the anterior stroma, depending on the distance, intensity, and number of optical breakdowns in front of the cornea. The histologic picture is similar to the well-known changes on the posterior surface of the cornea. The possibility of therapeutic application of the Nd:YAG laser in corneal disease is discussed.