Improvement of visual sensitivity by thermoelectric device

Abstract

A thermo-keratoplasty 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 (12) that is coupled to a power source (14) 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 (202) which maintains the eyelids in an open position. The probe (12) is placed into contact with the cornea and energy is transferred from the power source (14) to the eye, through the lid speculum (202) and back to the power source (14). The energy from the power supply is focused by a probe tip (240) 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.

Description

[0001] This application belongs to the divisional application of the parent application with the application number 94193756.9 and the application date of August 22, 1994; The date is August 23, 1993, and the prior application number is US111296. technical field

[0002] The present invention relates to a thermal keratoplasty probe placed in direct contact with the outer surface of the cornea. Background technique

[0003] Methods of correcting vision include correcting the cornea of ​​the eye. For example, nearsightedness can be corrected by making multiple small incisions in the cornea. The incision relaxes the cornea and increases the radius of the cornea. Typically either a laser or a precision knife is used to make the incision. The method of making incisions to correct myopic defects is commonly referred to as radial keratotomy and is well known in the art.

[0004] Current radial keratotomy typically makes an incision that penetrates about 95% of the cornea. Pene...

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