Abstract: Instruments and methods are provided which permit a surgeon to implant multiple radial inserts within a patient's cornea through one or more incisions made into the cornea. Instruments provided by the invention include a corneal marker, a radial pocket-forming instrument, and a positioning instrument. In one method provided by the invention, the surgeon uses the corneal marker to mark the patient's cornea with an incision mark, radial pocket marks, and circumferential channels marks simultaneously. The surgeon forms clockwise and counter-clockwise intrastromal circumferential channels through a single incision into the cornea, and then the surgeon inserts the radial pocket-forming instrument through the incision and into one of the circumferential channels to form radial pockets beneath the radial pocket marks. The surgeon inserts radial intrastromal inserts through the incision and into the circumferential channels and positions them within the radial pockets using the positioning instrument.

Abstract: The invention relates to a corneal pocketing tool for separating the lamella of the cornea. The corneal pocketing tool has a dissector portion for insertion into a corneal incision and a reference surface or region adapted to contact the cornea. As the dissector is advanced into the corneal incision the reference region comes into contact with the surface of the cornea and resists further advancement of the dissector. As the reference region is moved in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, the dissector portion follows in the same direction forming a pocket in the cornea.

Abstract: This invention is an intrastromal corneal ring having comprising at least one outer layer of a physiologically compatible polymer having a low modulus of elasticity, which polymer may be hydratable and may be hydrophilic. The inner portion of the hybrid intrastromal corneal ring may be hollow or may contain one or more physiologically compatible polymers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a surgical procedure on a patient is described. An incision is made into tissue of the patient to create a tissue pocket. The tissue has an anterior surface. Preferably, the tissue is corneal tissue of an eye. A reflective element is inserted into the pocket. An energy source generates a radiant energy signal, which is directed toward the reflective element. Reflected energy is received from the reflective element. A detector determines the depth of the reflective element below the anterior surface based upon the energy reflected by the reflective element. The speed of transmission of the radiant energy in the reflective element is different (preferably slower) than the speed of transmission of the radiant energy in the tissue. The reflective element may be in the form of a tool on which is disposed a biocompatible polymer layer, the layer comprising trapped air spaces, or a tool having an open space for containing trapped air.

Abstract: Surgical apparatus for inserting a plastic, split end, adjusting ring into the stroma of the cornea of the eye wherein the adjusting ring includes, as a part thereof, a dissecting head to part the stroma and provide a pathway for the adjusting ring as the ring is rotated. The ends of the adjusting ring are moved to change the shape of the cornea to a desired shape in accordance with the desired visual correction after which the ends of the adjusting ring are fixably joined to maintain the desired shape.

Abstract: A device for introducing a corneal implant into a cornea of a human eye. The device includes a body, a member coupled thereto, and a guide portion. The body has a distal end and a proximal end. The guide portion is disposed at the distal end of the body and forms a channel. The guide portion is configured for laterally supporting the implant when positioned in the channel and the member is arranged to axially support the implant when positioned in the channel.

Abstract: This invention is an intrastromal corneal ring housing comprising at least one outer layer of a physiologically compatible polymer having a low modulus of elasticity, which polymer may be hydratable and may be hydrophilic. The inner portion of the hybird intrastromal corneal ring may be hollow or may contain one or more physiologically compatible polymers.

Abstract: This invention is an improved method and kit for producing a desired channel or pathway in the interlamellar space in the corneal stroma for inserting a biocompatible material. The biocompatible polymer may be an intrastromal corneal ring (ICR). The method involves the use of clockwise and counter-clockwise dissectors, and optionally channel connectors and finish channel connectors. The kit contains clockwise and counter-clockwise dissectors and optionally channel connectors, finish channel connectors and probes.

Abstract: This invention is a pre-formed intrastromal corneal insert. It is made of a physiologically compatible polymer and may be used to adjust corneal curvature and thereby correct vision abnormalities. The insert or segment may also be used to deliver therapeutic or diagnostic agents to the interior of the cornea or of the eye. The insert subtends only a portion of a ring, or "arc", encircling the anterior cornea outside of the cornea's field of view. The invention also includes a procedure for inserting the device into the cornea.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and method for the quick and accurate determination of surface profile and depth reading within little or no mechanical motion is presented comprising a polychromatic light source; a means for focusing the light onto a point of sample target, said means having a known amount of longitudinal chromatic aberration; and a means for detecting the wavelengths of light reflected from the sample target. The light projected onto the sample target is focused according to wavelength due to the longitudinal chromatic aberration. While light from across the spectrum will be reflected, the light returning from the sample target will be most strongly reflected in a wavelength that is focused on a reflective point in the sample. The means for detecting the light in the present invention passes through a substantially pinhole aperture before the light is detected according to wavelength. The purpose of the pinhole aperture is resolution.

Abstract: This invention is a device and procedure for the correction of optical abnormalities in a human eye. It involves use of an inventive electrosurgical energy probe with specific physical configurations. The process preferably utilizes a high frequency RF electro-desiccation or ablation device. The procedure involves the initial step of forming at least one access site allowing access to the corneal volume behind the Bowman's Layer. It preferably is placed in the anterior surface of the cornea through and ending posterior to the Bowman's layer of the eye. The electrosurgical probe is then introduced into the access site and, depending upon the visual abnormality to be corrected, the probe is activated to adjust the volume of the corneal stromal layers through ablation or desiccation. The shape of the volume desiccated or ablated is dependent upon the aberration to be corrected.

Abstract: The intrastromal corneal ring is adjustable in thickness and has an elongated, flexible, preferably transparent or translucent body which forms a circle. The intrastromal corneal ring is of a size such that it can be inserted into a human eye and is comprised of a material which is compatible with human ocular tissue. The thickness of the ring can be adjusted so that it is not necessary to stock a plurality of different rings of different sizes to be used in connection with a method of adjusting the shape of the cornea of the eye. A plurality of different embodiments of intrastromal corneal rings are disclosed each of which are adjustable in terms of their thickness. The thickness may be adjusted prior to the insertion of the intrastromal corneal ring into the cornea and may not be further adjustable after insertion.

Abstract: The intrastromal corneal ring is adjustable in thickness and has an elongated, flexible, preferably transparent or translucent body which forms a circle. The intrastromal corneal ring is of a size such that it can be inserted into a human eye and is comprised of a material which is compatible with human ocular tissue. The thickness of the ring can be adjusted so that it is not necessary to stock a plurality of different rings of different sizes to be used in connection with a method of adjusting the shape of the cornea of the eye. A plurality of different embodiments of intrastromal corneal rings, including a spiral shaped intrastromal corneal ring, are disclosed each of which are adjustable in terms of their thickness. The thickness may be adjusted prior to the insertion of the intrastromal corneal ring into the cornea and may not be further adjustable after insertion.

Abstract: The intrastromal corneal ring (ICR) (47) of the invention has a flexible, preferably circular body sized and configured such that it can be inserted into a human eye and comprised of a material which is compatible with human ocular tissue. The end portions (48 and 49) of the circular body overlap each other and are formed in several different configurations or embodiments. The end portions (48 and 49) are preferably configured such that when allowed to come together they inter-mesh and provide a ring with a smooth and continuous outer profile.

Abstract: This invention is a procedure and system for the correction of optical abnormalities in a hum, a eye. It involves the use of laser radiation to desiccate or ablate tissue in the stromal layer of the cornea. The procedure involved the initial step of forming at least one access site allowing access to the corneal volume behind Bowman's layer. The laser probe is then introduced into the access site and, depending upon the visual abnormality to be corrected, the probe is activated to adjust the volume of the corneal stromal layers. The shape of the volume desiccated or ablated is dependent upon the aberration to be corrected. In certain circumstances, radial or circumferential cuts in Bowman's layer may allow the curvature of the cornea to change following the corneal volume adjustment.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for mapping the surface of an object, in particular, a transparent object such as anterior and posterior surfaces of a patient's cornea, in a clinically useful time using a single optical system. In a preferred embodiment, a pattern generator projects a pattern of light and dark areas onto a patient's cornea, and a light detector receives patterns reflected from the anterior and posterior surfaces of the cornea. A mapping means generates a three-dimensional map of the anterior and posterior corneal surfaces from information regarding the projected and detected light patterns. The invention can be used to map other transparent objects such as a contact lens or an intraocular device, e.g., an intrastromal ring. The invention can also be used to map the surface of an opaque object.

Abstract: Surgical apparatus for inserting a plastic, split end, adjusting ring into the stroma of the cornea of the eye wherein the adjusting ring includes, as a part thereof, a dissecting head to part the stroma and provide a pathway for the adjusting ring as the ring is rotated. The ends of the adjusting ring are moved to change the shape of the cornea to a desired shape in accordance with the desired visual correction after which the ends of the adjusting ring are fixably joined to maintain the desired shape.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for mapping the surface of an object, in particular, a transparent object such as anterior and posterior surfaces of a patient's cornea, in a clinically useful time using a single optical system. In a preferred embodiment, a pattern generator projects a pattern of light and dark areas onto a patient's cornea, and a light detector receives patterns reflected from the anterior and posterior surfaces of the cornea. A mapping means generates a three-dimensional map of the anterior and posterior corneal surfaces from information regarding the projected and detected light patterns. The invention can be used to map other transparent objects such as a contact lens or an intraocular device, e.g., an intrastromal ring. The invention can also be used to map the surface of an opaque object.

Abstract: The intrastromal corneal ring (ICR) is adjustable in thickness and has an elongated, flexible, preferably transparent or translucent body which forms a circle. The ICR is of a size such that it can be inserted into a human eye and is comprised of a material which is compatible with human ocular tissue. The thickness of the ring can be adjusted so that it is not necessary to stock a plurality of different rings of different sizes to be used in connection with a method of adjusting the shape of the cornea of the eye. A plurality of different embodiments of ICRs are disclosed each of which are adjustable in terms of their thickness. The thickness may be adjusted prior to the insertion of the ICR into the cornea and may not be further adjustable after insertion.

Abstract: This invention is an intrastromal corneal ring ("ICR") which is not uniform in dimension. It has, typically, two or more raised areas (or areas of additional bulk) spaced apart from each other on the ring. This ring design, when introduced into the stroma and properly adjusted there, permits at least partial correction of astigmatism in the eye.