Patent ID: 6033418
Filing Date: 2000-03-07
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
A system for effecting a refractive keratectomy upon corneal tissue, comprising:water supply means;nozzle means connected to said water supply means and being positionable with respect to a spaced target cornea to form a water jet having a diameter at the cornea tissue target of from 2 to 20 mils diameter;positioning means for controllably displacing the impact point of said jet upon said cornea tissue to conform to a desired pattern;means for controlling the mechanical energy transferred by said jet at each point of its impact with said tissue, to thereby effect controlled erosion of said tissue at the said points to enable a required refractive correction; anda liquid coupling means between said nozzle means and the target cornea tissue, for surrounding and enveloping said water jet in a liquid bath to thereby preclude entrainment of tissue-damaging gasses by the said jet.