Importance

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Abstract

A laser system for reprofiling a surface, such as the corneal surface of an eye, comprising a laser and a photoreactive mask disposed between the laser means and the surface for providing a predefined profile of resistance to laser radiation, such that, upon irradiation of the mask, a portion of the laser radiation is selectively absorbed and another portion is transmitted to the surface, in accordance with the mask profile, to selectively erode the surface. The mask can be connected to the support structure and disposed in optical alignment with the laser means and the surface. The mask can be directly integrated with support structure attached to the surface or spatially separated from the surface and imaged onto the surface. In one preferred embodiment, the mask includes a transparent matrix and light-absorbing dispersoids selectively distributed within the matrix, such that the dispersed elements are progressively bleached by exposure to the laser radiation.

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First Claim