Abstract: A template that is used with a probe to perform a medical procedure on a cornea. One embodiment of the template includes one or more openings that are used to align the probe with locations of the cornea that are to be denatured with energy transferred by the probe. By way of example, the openings may be located at 6, 7 and 8 millimeters about the center of the cornea. The denatured spots may collectively decrease the radius of curvature of the cornea. The template may have a bottom surface that conforms to the shape of the cornea. The template may have a centering feature that is used to center the template on the cornea and a vacuum channel that maintains the position of the template. The template openings may have stop features that limit a penetration depth of the probe.

Abstract: An apparatus that provides energy to a probe in contact with a cornea to perform a medical procedure. The apparatus includes a circuit that supplies energy to the probe and a regulator that regulates the delivery of energy during the medical procedure. The apparatus may include a sensing circuit that senses a change in a physiology of the cornea. The regulator can vary the energy delivered to the cornea in accordance with changes in the cornea physiology. For example, a waveform of tissue impedance may be determined and compared to a desired waveform. Deviations from the desired waveform may cause the regulator to increase or decrease the power applied to the cornea.

Abstract: A radio frequency amplifier for a system that can correct the patient's vision by reshaping the cornea by applying a proper amount of RF energy. The system includes an electrode that is connected to the output of the radio frequency amplifier and placed in contact with a cornea. The radio frequency amplifier delivers a RF current to the electrode that flows through and denatures the cornea then returns back to the radio frequency amplifier through a return electrode. The electrode can be placed in a circular pattern about the cornea to correct for a hyperopic condition. To effectively provide for vision correction the radio frequency amplifier should ideally provide power at a desired power curve. The radio frequency amplifier is calibrated to provide an actual power curve that is within +/?10% of the desired power curve within the operating range of the procedure. This insures that the right amount of power is applied to the cornea during the specified activation time.