A system and method for simulating a corneal reconfiguration in response to laser surgery uses a computer-programmed, biomechanical generalized model. The generalized model has a plurality of elements; with each element being pre-programmed based on diagnostic corneal data obtained from images of respective individual collagen fibers in a cornea. Collectively these pre-programmed elements replicate biomechanical properties of the cornea. In use, designated biomechanical characteristics on a plurality of selected elements are minimized to simulate laser surgery in an actual cornea. A computer then measures the resultant reconfiguration of the cornea model to assess an actual cornea's response to laser surgery.
