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Method and apparatus for removing epithelium from the surface of the eye

  • US 5,634,920 A
  • Filed: 06/07/1995
  • Issued: 06/03/1997
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/01/1992
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for removing epithelium from a removal region on the cornea of the eye where the epithelium has been treated with a dye that fluoresces when stimulated by laser light, comprising:

  • (a) a laser that emits a laser beam having a suitable wavelength;

    (b) an optical system that images said laser beam onto the cornea forming a laser spot on the cornea of a size and at a location;

    (c) an imaging system focused onto the cornea, said imaging system capable of detecting fluorescence of the epithelium treated with the dye; and

    (d) a control system coupled to the laser, the optical system, and the imaging system, said control system for firing said laser responsive to said imaging system detecting fluorescence from the epithelium treated with the dye in the removal region.

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