초록 ▼

A method for modifying the curvature of a live cornea to correct a patient's vision. First, at least one relatively small opening is made in the cornea for inserting a fiber optic cable or micro-cutting tool therein to create a pocket or cavity with first and second opposed internal surfaces. The la

A method for modifying the curvature of a live cornea to correct a patient's vision. First, at least one relatively small opening is made in the cornea for inserting a fiber optic cable or micro-cutting tool therein to create a pocket or cavity with first and second opposed internal surfaces. The laser beam or micro-cutting tool can be directed onto one of the first and second internal surfaces, or both, if needed or desired to incrementally and sequentially ablate or remove three-dimensional portions of the cornea. If a laser beam is used, then a flexible template can be inserted into the opening in the cornea for accurately controlling the pattern to be ablated within the cornea. Preferably, the live cornea is then left alone to collapse and obtain its new refractive power by waiting a set period of time. After waiting the set period of time, the cornea is then examined to determine the new refractive power of the cornea. Now, ocular material can be introduced to the cornea to further modify the curvature of the cornea as needed. The ocular material can be either a fluid or a solid lens, such as an annularly-shaped lens having an opening therein, or a combination of fluid and solid. In either case, the ocular material is transparent or translucent material with either a refractive index substantially the same as the intrastromal tissue of the cornea, or a different refractive index from the intrastromal tissue of the cornea.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A method of modifying the curvature of a patient's live cornea, comprising:separating a layer of said live cornea from the front of said live cornea;moving said separated layer to expose an internal surface of said live cornea underneath said separated layer, a portion

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A method of modifying the curvature of a patient's live cornea, comprising:separating a layer of said live cornea from the front of said live cornea;moving said separated layer to expose an internal surface of said live cornea underneath said separated layer, a portion of said exposed internal surface being intersected by the main optical axis of the eye;positioning a blank, comprising a material permitting light having a wavelength within the visible spectrum to pass therethrough, and having an opening therein, on said internal surface of said live cornea; andrepositioning said separated layer of said live cornea back over said internal surface of said live cornea and said blank, so that the shape of at least one of the internal surface and said blank influences the shape of said repositioned separated layer of said live cornea substantially without imposing tension on said repositioned separated layer.