Patent ID: 6132421
Filing Date: 2000-10-17
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
A laser eye surgery system comprising:a laser that produces a laser beam;an optical train optically coupled to the laser to direct the laser beam along an optical path toward a cornea of a patient so as to alter refraction of the cornea;an epithelial removal tool having an abrasion member for removing a portion of an epithelium of the cornea;a support structure supporting the tool relative to the optical train so that the epithelial removal tool is aligned with the optical path, wherein the support structure movably supports the epithelium removal tool such that the abrasion member is movable between a first position and a second position, the abrasion member in the first position being disposed within the optical path, the abrasion member in the second position being clear of the optical path, the epithelium removal tool being constrained in alignment with the optical path when the arm is in the aligned position; anda biasing mechanism coupled to the support structure for urging the abrasion member against the epithelium with a predetermined force.