Epithelial pocket expanding tool and combination epithelial delaminating device and corneal reformer

Abstract

The described devices are useful in the field of ophthalmology. The devices and methods for using them involve separating or lifting corneal epithelium from the eye in a substantially continuous layer to form a flap or pocket. In particular, the devices generally utilize a non- cutting separator or dissector that is configured to separate the epithelium at naturally occurring cleavage surfaces in the eye, particularly between the epithelium and the corneal stroma (Bowman's membrane), specifically separating in the region of the lamina lucida. The dissector may oscillate during the noted separation. The separator or dissector may also have a structure that expands the epithelial pocket after formation. Independently, the separator or dissector may also include structure that alone or in combination with various energy sources, reforms the underlying cornea in a refractive procedure or treats other maladies. After such steps, the epithelium tissue member may then be replaced on the cornea or onto an ocular lens after placement of that ocular lens on the eye.

Description

technical field [0001] The device is suitable for use in the field of ophthalmology. These devices and methods of using these devices involve separating or lifting the corneal epithelium from the eye in a substantially continuous layer to form a flap or pocket. In particular, these devices typically utilize non-cutting separators or dissectors that are configured to separate the epithelium at the natural cleavage surface in the eye, particularly between the epithelium and the corneal stroma ( Bowman's membrane), in particular in the region of the lamina lucida. The dissector may oscillate during said separation. The separator or dissector may also have a structure that expands the epithelial pocket after formation. The separator or dissector may also independently include a structure that alone or in combination with various energy sources remodels the underlying cornea during refractive procedures or treatment of other diseases. After these steps, the epithelial tissue po...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

There are several problems with epikeratophakia: 1) the lens remains hazy until host stromal fibroblasts colonize the lens, which can take months; 2) the migrating epithelium is able to grow over the incision site Interrupted epithelium is a breeding ground for infection before onto the surface of the lens; and, 3) Healing of the epithelium onto the surgical site sometimes migrates into the space between the lens and the host cornea

However, this "bandage" fails to restore the epithelium to its original state, i.e., it does not maintain the integrity of the epithelium, thereby reducing its clarity, water impermeability and barrier function

In addition, the ability of the epithelium to adhere to the surface of the corneal stroma is impaired

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