Collagen modulators for use in photoablation excimer laser keratectomy
OwnerDale P. DeVore, Richard A. Eifermaninventors
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Abstract
A method of smoothing irregular corneal surfaces and removing protuberances from corneal surfaces by photoablative excimer laser keratectomy is provided. Collagen compositions for use in making collagen modulators useful in photoablative procedures are described. These compositions are applied to irregular corneal surfaces in sufficient amounts to at least fill in depressions or other irregularities on a corneal surface and are converted into a modulator, as a gel or polymerized film, prior to photoablation. The collagen modulators facilitate the photoablative smoothing of irregular corneal surfaces and protect adjacent corneal tissue from undesired photoablation.
Claims15
A method for smoothing an irregular corneal surface, said irregular corneal surface having depressions, which comprises the steps of:
- applying a neutralized acid soluble collagen solution onto said irregular corneal surface in an amount sufficient to at least fill in said depressions;
- contacting said soluble collagen solution on said irregular corneal surface with an effective amount of at least one metal cation, said metal cation contained in a physiological acceptable solution, so as to convert said soluble collagen solution into a collagen gel;
- exposing said irregular corneal surface having said collagen gel to a radiation source effective to form a smooth corneal surface;
- and
- ablating said cornea.
A method for smoothing an irregular corneal surface, said irregular corneal surface having depressions, which comprises the steps of:
- applying a chemically modified soluble collagen solution onto said irregular corneal surface in an amount sufficient to at least fill in said depressions;
- polymerizing said chemically modified soluble collagen solution with UV in the presence of an effective amount of a polymerization agent so as to form a polymerized collagen film;
- exposing said irregular corneal surface having said polymerized collagen film to a radiation source effective to smooth said irregular corneal surface;
- and
- ablating said cornea.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.