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Abstract

The invention is a system and method for modifying the corneal curvature by irradiating the cornea to deliver thermal energy to the stroma. The system includes multiple irradiation ports for introducing electromagnetic radiation of a wavelength suitable for absorption in the stroma; positioning means, such as a hemi-spherical dome with several tracks for positioning the irradiation ports, respectively, at locations of a preselected geometric pattern relative to the pretreated cornea, the geometric pattern being selected to correspond to a desired modified shape of the cornea; transmission means adapted to deliver controlled amounts of the radiation from a radiation source to each of the irradiation ports; and the irradiation ports, positioned at the locations of the geometric pattern, constructed to introduce the radiation to treatment volumes of the stroma in a cooperative manner to induce desired shrinkage of the collagenous stromal tissue and cause change in the corneal curvature. Each treatment volume, formed by a radiation pattern emanating from one irradiation port or by intersection of radiation patterns emanating from multiple irradiation ports, is created in a controllable manner to have a desired volume and energy profile. The transmission means that includes fiber optic waveguides are connected to distribution means for dispensing controlled amounts of the radiation to each of the fiber optic waveguides. The system also includes inspection means for observing and evaluating the shrinkage of collagenous tissue.

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First Claim