Laser shaping of ocular surfaces using ablation mask formed in situ

US5279611A · kind A · utility

Inventors

• Peter J. McDonnell · Baltimore, US
• Stephen L. Trokel · New York, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 13, 1992
• Grant date: Jan 18, 1994
• Expiry date: Mar 13, 2012

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61F2009/00872
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method for modification of the corneal surface, in which a gel is applied to the cornea and molded in situ to create an ablation mask. This ablation mask has a posterior surface substantially identical to that of the surface to be treated. A shaping means (such as a contact lens) having a posterior curvature corresponding to the desired final profile of the cornea is superimposed on the gel prior to the setting of the gel; the anterior curvature of the ablation mask is equal to that of the posterior curvature of the shaping means. The gel has essentially the identical ablation properties of the cornea, which is generally not the case when other non-biological materials (such as plastics materials) are used. A preferred gel for use in forming the ablation mask is collagen gel.