초록 ▼

Laser ablative radiation is used to remove the epithelial layer from over the stromal layer in a cornea. While uniform exposure of a single or scanned ablative beam will generally remove peripheral portions of the epithelial layer faster than central portions, such non-uniform removal is corrected b

Laser ablative radiation is used to remove the epithelial layer from over the stromal layer in a cornea. While uniform exposure of a single or scanned ablative beam will generally remove peripheral portions of the epithelial layer faster than central portions, such non-uniform removal is corrected by patterning the beam to reduce peripheral exposure relative to central exposure.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for removing an epithelial layer from over a stromal layer in a cornea, said method comprising:irradiating a region of the epithelial layer with ablative radiation for a total exposure, wherein the region has a central portion and an outer peripheral portion; and

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for removing an epithelial layer from over a stromal layer in a cornea, said method comprising:irradiating a region of the epithelial layer with ablative radiation for a total exposure, wherein the region has a central portion and an outer peripheral portion; andpatterning the ablative radiation in accordance with a pre-programmed sequence so as to cause total exposure to increase from an outer periphery of the outer peripheral portion toward the central portion of the region so as to correct excess ablation of the peripheral portion which would occur in the absence of said patterning.