Lasik flap cutting patterns including bubble barrier layer in side cut for bubble management
US12310895B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 18, 2022 |
| Grant date | May 27, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 5, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2009/00897
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method implemented in an ophthalmic surgical laser system for forming a corneal flap in a patient's eye with improved bubble management. The flap includes a horizontal bed and a vertical or near vertical side cut around the periphery of the bed except for an uncut hinge area. The side cut has a bubble barrier layer that can prevent bubbles formed by the laser-tissue interaction from escaping into an interface between the corneal and the patient interface lens. In some embodiments, the bubble barrier layer is a thin uncut layer, located in the epithelium of the cornea, that separates the side cut into two portions. In other embodiments, the side cut does not reach the anterior corneal surface, leaving an uncut bubble barrier layer located with the epithelium. In other embodiments, an additional side cut portion is formed through the uncut bubble barrier layer as the last step.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.