Abstract: These methods, devices, and structures are useful in the field of ophthalmology; the devices and methods relate variously to separating or lifting corneal epithelium from the eye preferably in a substantially continuous layer, placing a lens or other suitable ocular or medical device beneath the epithelial membrane, and to the resulting structures formed by those procedures. The de-epilthelialization devices generally utilize a non-cutting separator or dissector that is configured to separate the epithelium at a naturally occurring cleavage surface in the eye between the epithelium and the corneal stroma (Bowman's membrane), specifically separating in the region of the lamina lucida. The separator or dissector may have a structure that rolls or vibrates (or both) at that cleavage surface or interface during the dissection step. The separated epithelium may be lifted or peeled from the surface of the eye to form an epithelial flap or a pocket.
Abstract: This relates to a lens made of donor corneal tissue suitable for use as a contact lens or an implanted lens, to a method of preparing that lens, and to a technique of placing the lens on the eye. The lens is made of donor corneal tissue that is acellularized by removing native epithelium and keratocytes. These cells optionally are replaced with human epithelium and keratocytes to form a lens that has a structural anatomy similar to human cornea. The ocular lens may be used to correct conditions such as astigmatism, myopia, aphakia, and presbyopia.
Abstract: This invention relates to a contact lens made of donor corneal tissue, to a method of preparing that lens, and to a technique of placing the lens on the eye. The lens is made of donor corneal tissue that is acellularized by removing native epithelium and keratocytes. These cells are replaced with human epithelium and keratocytes to form a lens that has a structural anatomy similar to human cornea. The ocular lens is used to correct conditions such as astigmatism, myopia, aphakia, and presbyopia.