Corneal heat and stretch method and apparatus
First Claim
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1. A method of altering the shape of a subject eye, comprising the steps of:
- (a) heating a predetermined heating zone of the eye to a therapeutic temperature below a collagen shrinkage temperature,(b) applying a therapeutic pressure differential within a predetermined treatment zone of the eye, thereby stretching collagen fibrils of the eye in predetermined directions.
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Abstract
A method and apparatus to alter the shape of the cornea of an eye provides for heating a portion of the cornea to a temperature not exceeding the collagen shrinkage temperature, and applying a pressure differential to a portion of the cornea. The combined effect of elevated temperature and stretching forces leads to permanent residual strains in preferred directions, and thus to a permanent new shape of the cornea. The method is applicable to the correction or reduction of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. A method of altering the shape of a subject eye, comprising the steps of:
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(a) heating a predetermined heating zone of the eye to a therapeutic temperature below a collagen shrinkage temperature, (b) applying a therapeutic pressure differential within a predetermined treatment zone of the eye, thereby stretching collagen fibrils of the eye in predetermined directions. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method of changing cornea shape, comprising the steps of:
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(a) applying heat to a surface of an eye wherein heat is applied at a temperature and for a time sufficient to induce creep of the eye but insufficient to induce shrinkage of collagen fibrils of the eye; (b) deforming the shape of the cornea by the application of a pressure differential whereby the deformed shape is maintained after the pressure is removed and the eye returns to body temperature.
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Specification