Method and apparatus to correct refractive errors using adjustable corneal arcuate segments
OwnerJoseph Y. Leeinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method and apparatus for adjusting corneal curvature of the eye comprising an adjustable corneal arcuate segment or segments which is implantable into the cornea. The arcuate segment is a flexible hollow shell composed of a synthetic or a natural material, with an annular chamber that is filled with a predetermined amount of a biocompatible material. The corneal curvature is adjusted by removing or augmenting the predetermined amount of biocompatible material contained in the arcuate segment.
Claims22
An adjustable intracorneal implant for placement into a human cornea for refractive correction comprising:
- a hollow, collapsible member that is crescent-shaped, the hollow member comprising a biocompatible material and having a cavity;
- and
- a solid filler material within the cavity of the hollow member that is removable after implantation of the corneal implant within the cornea.
A process for altering the corneal curvature of an eye, the process comprising the steps of:
- making an incision into the cornea;
- at the incision, forming at least one crescent shaped channel between lamellae of the corneal tissue, said channel extending about an optical zone of the cornea;
- and
- implanting into the channel a corneal implant comprising a hollow, collapsible member that is crescent-shaped, has a cavity and which contains solid filler material within the cavity of the hollow member that is removable after implantation of the corneal implant within the cornea.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.