Abstract: Equi-dosed time-fractionated pulsed UVA is employed to irradiate a class of riboflavin/collagen mixture in the presence of copious oxygen to cause rapid crosslinking causing gelation of the riboflavin/collagen mixture in situ and to effect adhesion to underlying structure specifically ocular tissue such as scleral and corneal tissue. Irradiation according to an embodiment of the invention results in depletion of dissolved oxygen at a rate inversely related to irradiance and more particularly depletion of dissolved oxygen occurs rapidly during the process of generation/cross-linking of reactive oxygen species (ROS), specifically singlet oxygen, such that the pulsed fractionation of UVA radiation exposure increases cross-linking efficiency by allowing the re-diffusion of oxygen during pauses in exposure.

Abstract: A method and material for augmenting the shape and thickness of the cornea in situ includes applying a clear liquid collagen mixed with a customized crosslinker onto the augmentation surface or in a cavity (with or without a mold) and exposing the mixture to UVA radiation in vivo. Application of UVA at varying dosages demonstrate progressive optically clear gelation and biomechanical adherence properties, and in vitro optical properties (RI), mechanical suture strength and rheometric parameters are comparable to native corneal stromal tissue. Photochemical corneal collagen augmentation according to the invention makes it suitable to reconstruct and strengthen diseased and damaged eyes, ulcerated corneas, as well as provide a substrate for refractive onlay/inlay procedures and lamellar transplantation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for performing oculoplasty including applying a photosensitizer solution to a human eye surface includes defining a treatment region within the human eye surface. The treatment region is associated with a predetermined spatial pattern. The method further includes irradiating the treatment region with controlled photoactivating radiation. In relation to presbyopia treatments, shrinkage of the paralimbal scleral region near the scleral spur results in improved near focus with no loss in far acuities.