Abstract: A system and method for exposing ocular tissue to a beam of electromagnetic radiation tuned to an NIR wavelength between about 1380 nm and about 1600 nm in the water absorption band. The laser energy is absorbed by the water, which in turn, transfers the energy to collagen molecules. The helical collagen molecules partially denature and then re-nature to form a weld across the region of the tissues to be joined. In a preferred embodiment, the electromagnetic radiation originates from a laser. The lasers may be Cr4+ doped crystals, Erbium fibers, and alloys of semiconductor laser diodes.