Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A method and apparatus for modifying corneal refractive properties includes a laser source and an ring-like deflector positioned about the cornea. The ring-like deflector is contoured and positioned about the cornea. The contour of the deflector is selected to affect the desired post-operative corneal curvature. A beam emitted from the laser source is deflected in a (predictable) controlled manner by the ring-like deflector at any desired point such that the beam strikes the cornea tangentially, ablating or lathing the contacted corneal surface. A masking device or an axicon can be provided in cooperation with a wide-body laser beam to deliver a ring of laser light to the deflector causing the light to strike the cornea tangentially in a ring-like pattern substantially centered about the visual axis. Alternatively, in a narrow-beam embodiment, the beam may be translated in the radial direction and revolved about the visual axis or rotated off parallel to the visual axis causing the beam to be deflected off of the ring-like deflector for striking the cornea tangentially over 360.degree..

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim