Method and apparatus for adjusting corneal curvature using a solid filled corneal ring

A process for adjusting the corneal curvature of an eye, the process comprising the steps of:

• making a radial incision into the cornea;
• at the incision, forming an annular channel between lamellae of the corneal tissue, said channel extending about an optical zone of the cornea;
• inserting into the incision an end of a tubular corneal ring, the corneal ring including removable solid filler material in an inner cavity;
• and
• gradually moving the corneal ring about the annular channel until the corneal ring is fully inserted.

A process of adjusting the corneal curvature of an eye, the process comprising the steps of:

• in a first operation making a radial incision into the cornea;
• at the incision, forming an annular channel between lamellae of the cornea, said channel extending about an optical zone of the cornea;
• inserting into the incision an end of a tubular corneal ring, the ring including at least one strand of solid material in an inner tubular cavity;
• gradually moving the corneal ring about the annular channel until the ring is fully inserted;
• and
• in a second operation adjusting the thickness of the ring by moving at least one of the strands.