U.S. patent application number 14/862445 was filed with the patent office on 2016-01-28 for method for laser cutting a corneal pocket.
This patent application is currently assigned to PRESBIBIO, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is PRESBIBIO, LLC. Invention is credited to Vladimir Feingold.
Application Number | 20160022495 14/862445 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47756806 |
Filed Date | 2016-01-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160022495 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Feingold; Vladimir |
January 28, 2016 |
METHOD FOR LASER CUTTING A CORNEAL POCKET
Abstract
A method for using a laser to create a pocket in a patient's
cornea is provided. The pocket is created using a femtosecond or a
nanosecond laser. The laser ablates tissue within the cornea in a
specific shape. The shape of the pocket can be determined by
software to custom program a three-dimensional path of the laser. A
variety of corneal pocket configurations or computer programmed
shapes can be used accommodate various corneal lens shapes and
sizes. An intracorneal lens can then be inserted into the pocket,
in order to correct the patient's vision.
Inventors: |
Feingold; Vladimir; (Laguna
Niguel, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
PRESBIBIO, LLC |
Irvine |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
PRESBIBIO, LLC
Irvine
CA
|
Family ID: |
47756806 |
Appl. No.: |
14/862445 |
Filed: |
September 23, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13222042 |
Aug 31, 2011 |
9168175 |
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14862445 |
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12281749 |
Sep 4, 2008 |
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13222042 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
606/5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2/145 20130101;
A61F 9/00836 20130101; A61F 2009/00872 20130101; A61F 9/00834
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61F 9/008 20060101
A61F009/008 |
Claims
1. A method for creating a corneal pocket and an entry channel for
inserting and positioning an intracorneal lens in the corneal
pocket, the method comprising: providing a low-energy femtosecond
laser configured to create the corneal pocket; positioning the
laser proximate to a cornea such that it can be used to create the
corneal pocket; receiving an input for a generally curvilinear
movement path and a first laser energy output in a range between
approximately 0.2 microjoules and 1.5 microjoules for the laser to
form the corneal pocket having a specific pocket shape and a
thickness conforming to predefined surfaces of an intracorneal lens
to be inserted into the corneal pocket; focusing a laser beam from
the laser to a predetermined depth within the cornea between an
anterior surface and a posterior surface of the cornea such that
the laser beam ablates corneal tissue at a focal point at the
predetermined depth; moving the laser beam in the generally
curvilinear movement path in order to create the corneal pocket
having the specific pocket shape and a thickness about the size of
diameter of the laser beam focal point; forming the entry channel
into the corneal pocket with the laser beam, wherein the entry
channel is at an obtuse angle form the conical pocket toward an
entry incision on the cornea; and forming a relaxing incision in a
region of the cornea outside of the corneal pocket and the entry
channel using a second laser energy output that is less than the
determined first laser energy output used to create the corneal
pocket in order to ease the insertion of the intracorneal lens into
the corneal pocket.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the relaxing incision is formed
at a depth in the cornea that is in the range of about 220 microns
and 350 microns.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising programming the laser
to have a spot size in a range of approximately 0.2 to 4.0
microns.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising making the corneal
pocket at a depth in a range between approximately 220 microns to
350 microns.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a laser with
multiple laser beam spots.
6. The method of claim 6, further comprising eliminating space
between the laser beam spots.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the forming of the relaxing
incision includes forming at least two generally arc shaped
incisions that can reduce a preexisting astigmatism.
8. A method for creating a corneal pocket and an entry channel for
inserting and positioning an intracorneal lens in the corneal
pocket, the method comprising: using a low-energy nanosecond laser
configured to create the corneal pocket; positioning the laser
proximate to a cornea such that it can be used to create the
corneal pocket; determining a generally curvilinear movement path
and an energy output in a range between approximately 0.2
microjoules and 1.5 microjoules for the laser in order to form the
corneal pocket having a specific shape and a thickness conforming
to predefined surfaces of an intracorneal lens to be inserted into
the corneal pocket; configuring the laser to follow the generally
curvilinear movement path using a positioning software; focusing a
laser beam from the laser to as focal point at a predetermined
depth within the cornea between an anterior surface and a posterior
surface of the cornea such that the laser beam cuts and separates
conical tissue at the predetermined depth; operating the laser beam
in the generally curvilinear movement path in order to create the
corneal pocket having the specific shape and a thickness about the
size of a diameter of the laser beam focal point; forming the entry
channel into the corneal pocket with the laser beam, wherein the
entry channel is at an obtuse angle from the conical pocket toward
an entry incision on the cornea; and forming at least one arc
shaped relaxing incision(s), using an energy output that is less
than the determined energy output used to create the corneal
pocket, in a region of the cornea at a depth in the range of 220
microns and 350 microns and outside of the conical pocket and the
entry channel used to correct a preexisting astigmatism.
9. The method for claim 8, further comprising using a laser with
spot size in a range of approximately 0.2 to 4.0 microns.
10. The method for claim 8, further comprising making the corneal
pocket at a depth in a range of approximately 220 microns to 350
microns.
11. The method of claim 8, further comprising providing a laser
with multiple laser beam spots.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising eliminating space
between the laser beam spots.
13. A method for creating a corneal pocket and an entry channel for
inserting and positioning an intracorneal lens in the corneal
pocket using a low energy femtosecond or a nanosecond laser, the
method comprising: receiving inputs for programming a
three-dimensional generally curvilinear movement path and an energy
output in a range bets approximately 0.2 microjoules and 1.5
microjoules for the low-energy femtosecond or a nanosecond laser
configured to create the conical pocket; transmitting instructions
for a three-dimensional generally curvilinear movement path for the
laser in order to form the conical pocket having a specific shape
and thickness conforming to a predetermined intracorneal lens to be
inserted; focusing a laser beam from the laser to a focal point at
a predetermined depth within the cornea between an anterior surface
and a posterior surface of the cornea such that the laser beam
ablates corneal tissue at the predetermined depth using the energy
output input received; forming the entry channel into the conical
pocket with the laser beam; and forming a relaxing incision in a
region of the cornea outside of the corneal pocket and the entry
channel using, an energy output that is less than the energy output
input received to create the conical pocket.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the relaxing incision is formed
in order to ease the insertion of the intracorneal lens into the
corneal pocket.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the relaxing incision includes
at least one are shaped incision formed in order to correct a
pre-existing astigmatism.
16. The method of claim 13, further comprising configuring the
laser to have a spot size in a range of approximately 0.2 to 4.0
microns.
17. The method of claim 13, wherein the corneal pocket is formed at
a depth in a range of approximately 220 microns to 350 microns in
the cornea.
18. The method of claim 13, further comprising configuring the
laser to emit multiple laser beam spots.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein space between the multiple
laser beam spots can be eliminated before the insertion of the
intracorneal lens.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to earlier filed U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 12/281,749, filed on Jan. 8, 2009, the
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to ocular surgery.
More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for
laser cutting a corneal pocket.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Presbyopia is the gradual loss of near vision, which often
accompanies the aging process. The eyes of a person suffering from
presbyopia have a diminished ability to focus on near objects such
as books, magazines, or a computer screen. Symptoms of presbyopia
can include difficulty reading fine print and blurred vision when
transitioning the focus of the eye between near and distant
objects.
[0004] There are several common treatments for presbyopia. A
dedicated pair of reading glasses is one such treatment. Reading
glasses provide magnification of near objects to provide for
improved vision. However, if a person also needs glasses to focus
on distant objects switching between reading glasses and distance
glasses can be inconvenient. Another treatment is bifocal glasses,
which provide a portion of the glasses lens for assisting with
distance vision and a portion for assisting with near vision. While
bifocals provide a single pair of glasses for both near and
distance vision correction, they can cause disorientation. Contact
lenses for the surface of the eye have also been developed which
provide vision correction for both near and distance vision.
Although these treatments provide vision correction for a person
suffering from presbyopia, each requires at least one an additional
accessory or pair of contact lenses that must be worn or used
daily. Additionally, very small lenses for insertion into the eye
are being developed. However, a small pocket must be made in the
cornea into which the lens can be inserted.
[0005] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide method for creating
such a small pocket in the cornea into which the lens can be
inserted.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The foregoing needs are met, to a great extent, by the
present invention, wherein in one aspect an apparatus is provided
that in some embodiments includes a method for laser cutting a
conical pocket into which a lens can be inserted.
[0007] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a
method for creating a corneal pocket includes providing a
low-energy femtosecond or nanosecond laser configured to create
conical pocket. The method can also include positioning the laser
proximate to a cornea such that it can be used to create the
conical pocket and determining a movement path for the laser, in
order to form the conical pocket having a specific pocket shape
wherein the movement path follows a generally curvilinear path.
Additionally, the method can include focusing a laser beam from the
laser to a predetermined depth within the cornea between an
anterior surface and a posterior surface of the cornea such that
the laser beam cut corneal tissue at the predetermined depth. The
method can also include moving the laser heath in the movement path
in order to create the corneal pocket having the specific pocket
shape.
[0008] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
the method can include moving the laser toward the middle of the
cornea to compensate for astigmatic effect. The method can also
include using a laser with an energy output in a range between
approximately 0.2 microjoules and 1.5 microjoules. The laser can
also have a spot size in a range of approximately 0.2 to 4.0
microns and the conical pocket can be positioned at a depth in a
range of approximately 220 microns to 350 microns. Additionally,
the laser with multiple laser beam spots and the space between the
spots can be eliminated. The method can further include programming
the laser to create the specific pocket shape.
[0009] In accordance with still another embodiment of the present
invention a method for creating a corneal pocket includes providing
a low-energy femtosecond or nanosecond laser configured to create a
corneal pocket. The method can also include positioning the laser
proximate to a cornea such that it can be used to create the
corneal pocket and determining a movement path for the laser, in
order to form the corneal pocket having a specific pocket shape
wherein the movement path follows a generally curvilinear path. The
method can include using positioning software in order to create
the specific shape. Additionally, the method can include focusing a
laser beam from the laser to a predetermined depth within the
cornea between an anterior surface and a posterior surface of the
cornea such that the laser beam cuts and separates corneal tissue
at the predetermined depth. The method can also include moving the
laser beam in the movement path in order to create the corneal
pocket having the specific pocket shape.
[0010] In accordance with still another embodiment of the present
invention a method for creating a corneal pocket includes providing
a low-energy femtosecond or nanosecond laser configured to create a
conical pocket. The method can also include positioning the laser
proximate to a cornea such that it can be used to create the
corneal pocket and determining a three-dimensional movement path
for the laser, in order to form the corneal pocket having a
specific pocket shape wherein the movement path follows a generally
curvilinear path. The method can include programming a computer to
control the laser such that it follows the three-dimensional
movement path to form the specific shape. Additionally, the method
can include focusing a laser beam from the laser to a predetermined
depth within the cornea between an anterior surface and a posterior
surface of the cornea such that the laser beam cuts and separates
corneal tissue at the predetermined depth. The method can also
include moving the laser beam in the movement path in order to
create the corneal pocket having the specific pocket shape.
[0011] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
the method can include moving the laser toward the middle of the
cornea to compensate for astigmatic effect. The method can also
include using a laser with an energy output in a range between
approximately 0.2 microjoules and 1.5 microjoules. The laser can
also have a spot size in a range of approximately 0.2 to 4.0
microns and the corneal pocket can be positioned at a depth in a
range of approximately 220 microns to 350 microns. Additionally,
the laser can have multiple laser beam spots and the space between
the spots can be eliminated.
[0012] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, certain
embodiments of the invention in order that the detailed description
thereof herein may be better understood, and in order that the
present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There
are, of course, additional embodiments of the invention that will
be described below and which will form the subject matter of the
claims appended hereto.
[0013] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment
of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in
the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The
invention is capable of embodiments in addition to those described
and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is
to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed
herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description
and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0014] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be
utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods
and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded
as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not
depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a laser surgery apparatus for laser
surgery to create an intracorneal pocket in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the anterior portion of the
eye having an intracorneal lens disposed therein, according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a sectional view of the anterior portion
of an eye having an implant disposed within the cornea of the eye
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates a series of steps involved in a method
for inserting a lens into the cornea of the patient.
[0019] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate incisions in a cornea and a
corneal pocket in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
[0020] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate incisions in a cornea accordance
with an embodiment of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 7 illustrates a top down view of a corneal pocket in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0022] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a 3 dimensional path for the
laser beam in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 9 illustrates a path for movement of the laser beam in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] The invention will now be described with reference to the
drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like
parts throughout. Au embodiment in accordance with the present
invention provides an apparatus and method for creating a flap or
pocket in the cornea. This lens or pocket preferably is created by
is laser used in conventional lasik surgery.
[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a laser surgery apparatus 10 for laser
surgery to create an intracorneal pocket in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention. The laser surgery apparatus 10 can
include a laser source 12 which can generate and control, using
software, a source beam 14 having a continuous train of laser
pulses of substantially constant pulse duration and pulse energy.
In one embodiment of the laser surgery apparatus 10, a source beam
14 can take the form of a femtosecond or a nanosecond laser. The
source beam 14 can also have a wavelength greater than 800
nanometers and a pulse energy in a range of approximately 0.2 mu.I.
to 1.5 mu.I. Using less energy for the pulse is preferable, but can
be any level of energy suitable for creating the corneal
pocket.
[0026] The laser surgery apparatus 10 further includes an optical
system 16 for forming a shaped laser beam 18 and directing the
shaped laser beam 18 toward and into the cornea 28 of an eye 22.
The laser beam 18 can be programmed with a computer to determine
the path of the laser beam 18 over the patient's eye. Additionally,
the laser beam 18 can be configured to follow a three-dimensional
path to cut and separate the cornea to form a pocket for the
insertion of the lens.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the anterior portion of the
eye 22 having an intracorneal lens 26 disposed therein, according
to an embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment of the
invention shown in FIG. 2, intracorneal lens 26 may be disposed
within a cornea 28 of the eye 22, which may partially enclose the
anterior chamber 30 of the eye 22. Also shown in FIG. 2 is an iris
32. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, lens 26 may
be inserted within cornea 28 following formation of a corneal
pocket 29, which may be formed using a laser surgery apparatus 10
as shown FIG. 1.
[0028] Intracorneal lens 26 is not restricted to the configuration
shown in the drawings, but may have various shapes, such as
circular or oval. In some embodiments, intracorneal lens 26 may
have a doughnut-like configuration. The size and shape of
intracorneal lens 26 may, in some cases, determine the size and
shape of the conical pocket.
[0029] The intracorneal lens 26 preferably may be formed of a
biocompatible material that permits sufficient gas diffusion to
allow adequate oxygenation of internal eye tissues. Such materials
may include silicone, hydrogels, urethanes or acrylics. It also may
be desirable that the lens be made of a hydrophilic material which
swells somewhat when hydrated. Such materials, for example
hydrogels, are well known and are used in some present contact
lenses.
[0030] The optical characteristics of intracorneal lens 26 may be
selected for correcting various visual deficiencies, including
without limitation: myopia (short sightedness), hypermetropia (long
sightedness), presbyopia and astigmatism. As an example,
intracorneal lens 26 may have a diopter power or value in the range
of from +15 to -30. Intracorneal lens 26 may be customized for a
particular patient to provide optical characteristics to correct a
specific visual defect of a patient. Intracorneal lens 26 may be
multi-focal, may be provided as an off-the-shelf unit with
pre-determined optical characteristics and may have zones with
optical power and zones without optical power. It is to be
understood that the present invention is not limited to treatment
of the aforementioned visual defects, and that treatment of other
eye conditions is also within the scope of the invention.
[0031] FIG. 3 shows a cross section of a cornea 28 having a corneal
pocket 29 formed by a laser surgery apparatus 10 in accordance with
one embodiment of the invention. Cornea 28 has an anterior surface
31 and a posterior surface 33. Cortical pocket 29 may be formed by
photo disruption using laser beam 18 from a laser source 12.
[0032] The corneal pocket 29 may be formed with a thickness and
shape that conforms to the surfaces of the intracorneal lens 26.
For example, the interior surfaces of the corneal pocket 29 may be
convex, concave, planar or irregular. The edges of the corneal
pocket 29 may form an outline having various shapes depending on
the desired outcome and the shape of the intracorneal lens 26. The
various configurations of corneal pockets can be adapted to be used
with lenses of various shapes and sizes. The corneal pocket can
also be configured to facilitate the insertion of the lens and
minimize the size of the incision for improved post-surgical
healing of the cornea. The corneal pocket can also include an entry
channel 34 that may be cut into the cornea 28 after the conical
pocket 29 is formed. Entry channel 34 may permit the insertion of
the intracorneal lens 26 into the corneal pocket 29.
[0033] FIG. 4 schematically represents a series of steps involved
in a process for creating a corneal pocket and inserting as lens in
the cornea of a patient, according to one embodiment of the
invention. The process may begin with the step 74 of providing an
intracorneal lens 26. The intracorneal lens 26 may or may not have
optical power depending on the purpose of the intracorneal lens 26.
In step 78 a corneal pocket 29 may be formed. This may be done
using the laser surgery apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1. In
particular, a laser source 12 being controlled by an optical system
16 may be used to focus a laser beam 18 within the corneal tissue.
The laser beam 18 will cut and separate a region of the cornea
tissue in the area of the focus of the laser beam 18. The focus of
the laser beam 18 may then be moved laterally by hand to cut a
layer of corneal tissue. While the focus of the laser beam 18 is
being moved laterally, it may be maintained a fixed depth within
the cornea using known laser surgical techniques. The focus of the
laser beam 18 may be easily, quickly and accurately moved laterally
by controlled software within the confines of the pocket region
without the risk of cutting outside the desired area defined by the
software.
[0034] The thickness of the corneal pocket created using, the above
techniques will be about the size of the diameter of the laser beam
18 focal point. In some cases, depending on the thickness and shape
of the intracorneal lens 26, additional tissue may be cut at
different depths within the cornea 28.
[0035] In step 80 an entry channel 34 may be formed. This may be
accomplished using the laser source 12 or may be formed using, a
conventional scalpel. Entry channel 34 may provide a means for
insertion of the intracorneal lens 26 and also will allow the
release of gasses created by laser ablation when the intracorneal
pocket 29 is formed.
[0036] The intracorneal lens 26 may then be inserted into the
intracorneal pocket 29 in step 82. Step 82 may further involve
temporarily deforming the intracorneal lens 26 before it is
introduced into the cornea 28. The intracorneal lens 26 may be
deformed by rolling, folding, and the like. The intracorneal lens
26 may have prescribed memory characteristics that allow it to
return to its original size and configuration after insertion into
the cornea 28, while retaining its desired optical characteristics.
The intracorneal lens 29 may be made of a hydrophilic material
which swells when hydrated. The lens may be inserted fully hydrated
to elastically fit into a corneal pocket, or while at least partly
dehydrated such that subsequent hydration helps secure the fit in
the pocket.
[0037] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate incision patterns in a cornea, in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in
FIGS. 5A and 5B, an entry incision 102, 202 can be made on the
cornea 100, 200. The entry incision 102, 202 is shown as being
positioned on a rightward edge of the cornea 100, 200, in FIGS. 5A
and 5B. However, the entry incision 102, 202 can be positioned in
any suitable portion of the cornea 100, 200. A circular pocket 104,
204 can also be formed in the cornea. An insertion tunnel 106, 206
can be positioned between the entry incision 102 and the pocket
104. Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, a second tunnel 108
can be positioned to the left of the circular pocket 104.
Alternately, as shown in FIG. 5B, relaxing incisions 210 can be
made in the cornea 200, in order to ease the insertion of the
corneal lens and reduce astigmatism.
[0038] FIGS. 6A and 6B also illustrate incision patterns in a
cornea, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As
illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, an entry incision 302, 402 can be
made on the cornea 300, 400. The entry incision 302, 402 is shown
as being positioned on a rightward edge of the cornea 300, 400, in
FIGS. 6A and 6B. However, the entry incision 302, 402 can be
positioned in any suitable portion of the cornea 300, 400. An
insertion tunnel 306, 406 can be positioned leftward of the entry
incision 302, 402, and can extend across the cornea 300, 400.
Additionally, as shown in FIG. 6B, relaxing incisions 410 can be
made in the cornea 400, in order to ease the insertion of the
corneal lens and reduce a preexisting astigmatism.
[0039] FIG. 7 illustrates a top down view of the same corneal
pocket 29. The pocket and the relaxing incisions can be made with a
femtosecond or nanosecond laser having an energy profile in a range
of approximately 0.2 micro joules to 1.5 microjoules. Any suitable
energy level can be used, however lower energy output is
preferable. Additionally, the laser beam can have a spot size in a
range of approximately 0.2 microns to 4.0 microns. The depth of the
cut can be in a range of approximately 220 microns to 350 microns.
It should be noted that if the cut is too deep the structure of the
cornea can become less stable. The pocket profile 29 shown in FIG.
8 can be used to minimize distortion of the patient's vision
through the newly implanted lens. However, if the patient suffers
from astigmatism the cut can be moved toward the middle of the
cornea in order to minimize the astigmatic effect.
[0040] FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 9 illustrates a path for the laser beam
and a direction for the movement of the laser beam, in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention. More particularly, FIG. 8A
illustrates a side view of the path for the laser beam and FIG. 8B
illustrates a top down view of the path. The pocket 229 can be
formed and an adjacent entry channel 234 can be formed in order to
allow the insertion of the intracorneal lens into the corneal
pocket 229. While FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a path for the laser
beam, this is simply one example of the path that can be used to
form the pocket 229 and the entry channel 234. Any path that is
suitable for the purpose of forming a pocket can be used.
Preferably, the path the laser is moved in is curvilinear to follow
the natural curvature of the eye. FIG. 9 illustrates the laser beam
240 moving across an axis of the eye. The laser beam 240 can have a
single beam or multiple beams creating a single laser spot or
multiple laser spots respectively. Additionally, if the laser beam
used has multiple spots, preferably there is no space between the
spots of the laser beam.
[0041] As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the
present invention may provide a method for correcting the vision of
a patient with an intracorneal lens 26 that may be easily inserted
into a corneal pocket 29. The corneal pocket 29 may be created
using a laser source 12 or may be created using other forms of
electromagnetic radiation. The creation of the corneal pocket 29 is
facilitated by the use of software that prevents the laser beam 18
from cutting and separating tissue outside the boundary of a
desired shape. A variety of conical pocket configurations may be
used to accommodate various corneal lens shapes and sizes. Other
surgical procedures, such as arcuate cuts, may also be made using
the techniques of the invention.
[0042] The many features and advantages of the invention are
apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended
by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of
the invention, which fall within the true spirit, and scope of the
invention. Further, since numerous modifications and variations
will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired
to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation
illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable
modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within
the scope of the invention.
* * * * *