Importance

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Abstract

A method and device for the clean, non-traumatic removal of a diseased or otherwise eroded, cut, damaged, or dystrophied epithelium layer from the cornea of an eye, for the enhanced regeneration thereof or as the first step in a PRK procedure. The device includes a source for high speed, water-jet with sufficient speed and pressure to cleanly remove the epithelium layer from the Bowman's layer but at a speed which does not affect the harder, underlying Bowman's layer. The device further includes a preferably flat, impinging surface adapted to be directly placed on the epithelium with a laterally extending portion. The flat surface lightly applanates the cornea. The waterjet is adapted to impinge on the flat surface whereby the surface causes the waterjet to laterally radiate and continuously 'brush' off the epithelium until the Bowman's layer is reached. Continued waterjet impingement, for a limited period thereafter, does not affect the Bowman's layer and merely harmlessly irrigates the eye.

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First Claim