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Abstract

Methods for modifying a live cornea to correct a patient's vision. In the case of hyperopia, at least one slit is first made in the cornea for inserting a knife, a fiber optic cable or micro-cutting tool therein to separate an internal area of the cornea into first and second opposed internal surfaces such that a substantially circular area centered about the main optical axis of the cornea remains attached between the first and second internal surfaces. The laser beam or micro-cutting tool can be directed onto one of the first and second internal surfaces, or both, if needed or desired to incrementally and sequentially remove three-dimensional portions of the cornea. If a laser beam is used, then a flexible template can be inserted between the internal surfaces of the cornea for accurately controlling the pattern to be ablated within the cornea. In the case of myopia, instead of removing intrastromal tissue, ocular material can be introduced between the internal surfaces to change the patient's vision. The ocular material can be either a fluid or a solid lens or a combination thereof. In either case, the ocular material is transparent or translucent material with either a refractive index substantially the same as the intrastromal tissue of the cornea, or a different refractive index from the intrastromal tissue of the cornea.

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First Claim