Importance

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Abstract

A disposable aplanatic lens for reconfiguring the cornea of an eye for ophthalmic laser surgery includes a lens which has a flat anterior surface that is substantially parallel to a flat aplanation surface. A skirt surrounds the aplanation surface and extends outwardly therefrom to define a chamber. Additionally, the skirt is formed with a groove which creates a suction channel between the skirt and the aplanation surface in the chamber. A vacuum pump is connected in fluid communication with the suction channel and is selectively activated to create a partial vacuum in the channel. In its operation, the aplanatic lens is positioned over the cornea and the pump is activated to create the partial vacuum. Due to this partial vacuum, the cornea is drawn into the chamber where it is urged against the aplanation surface of the lens. The result of this is that the cornea is flattened into an aplanation configuration which is free from spherical aberration and coma during ophthalmic surgery.

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First Claim