Abstract: A system allows treatment of sublayers of tissue lying beneath an outer layer of tissue. The system includes an energy emitter able to heat predetermined areas of the tissue sublayers. The energy for heating typically is generated by a laser or lamp able to produce electromagnetic radiation in the infrared region to thereby cause tissue at the predetermined areas to heat and shrink. The shrinkage causes the shape of the outer layer or surface to change in a controlled manner that corrects the problematic surface formation, e.g., refractive error. An energy absorption modifier is used to avoid damage to the outer layer of tissue as energy is passed therethrough.