Method and apparatus for modifications of visual acuity by thermal means
First Claim
1. A thermokeratoplastic probe system for reshaping a cornea, comprising:
- a power source which contains a radio frequency generator that generates an alternating current;
a first electrode that is coupled to said radio frequency generator and which transfers the alternating current from said radio frequency generator to the cornea which is in contact with said first electrode;
a lid speculum that is coupled to said power source and the cornea to create a return path so that the alternating current flows from said first electrode, through the cornea and back into said lid speculum.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A thermokeratoplasty system and method for locally heating and reshaping a cornea in a manner that produces a minimal regression of the corneal correction. The system includes a probe that is coupled to a power source which can provide a predetermined power, frequency and time duration that creates a thermal profile within the cornea which extends from the epithelium into the corneal stroma. The electrical return of the probe is a lid speculum which maintains the eye lids in an open position. The probe is placed into contact with the cornea and energy is transferred from the power source to the eye, through the lid speculum and back to the power source. The energy from the power supply is focused by a probe tip that locally heats and denatures the cornea, and causes a subsequent shrinkage of corneal tissue. A pattern of denatured areas can be created around the cornea to correct the vision of the eye. It has been found that power no greater than 1.2 watts, for a duration no greater than 1.0 seconds, will sufficiently induce corneal shrinkage without significant regression of the visual acuity correction of the eye. The probe may have an electronic circuit which prevents usage of the probe after a predetermined number of procedures.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. A thermokeratoplastic probe system for reshaping a cornea, comprising:
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a power source which contains a radio frequency generator that generates an alternating current; a first electrode that is coupled to said radio frequency generator and which transfers the alternating current from said radio frequency generator to the cornea which is in contact with said first electrode; a lid speculum that is coupled to said power source and the cornea to create a return path so that the alternating current flows from said first electrode, through the cornea and back into said lid speculum. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A thermokeratoplastic probe that is coupled to a source of power, comprising:
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an electrode coupled to the source of power; a fuse coupled to said electrode, said fuse preventing power from being supplied to said electrode when said fuse is blown; and
,an electrical circuit that provides a fuse current to blow said fuse after power is supplied to said electrode. - View Dependent Claims (11)
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Specification